DFIS vs. DFIC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIS returned 19.32%/yr vs 19.43%/yr for DFIC. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for DFIC.

Performance

DFIS vs. DFIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFIS having a 10.27% return and DFIC slightly higher at 10.29%.

DFIS

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 2.92%
• YTD: 10.27%
• 6M: 13.97%
• 1Y: 28.03%
• 3Y*: 19.32%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFIC

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 10.29%
• 6M: 13.30%
• 1Y: 27.29%
• 3Y*: 19.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DFIS vs. DFIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	10.27%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.94%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.29%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-9.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIS and DFIC is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.97

The correlation between DFIS and DFIC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIS vs. DFIC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIS	DFIC
Industrials	23.9%	20.2%
Basic Materials	14.2%	11.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	9.5%
Financial Services	12.0%	20.6%
Technology	9.6%	7.8%
Energy	6.0%	8.1%
Healthcare	5.2%	7.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	6.1%
Real Estate	3.7%	1.8%
Communication Services	3.6%	4.3%
Utilities	3.3%	3.7%

Return for Risk

DFIS vs. DFIC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DFIS vs. DFIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DFIS	DFIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.98	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.76	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	2.49	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.73	9.90	-1.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFIS vs. DFIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the DFIC Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIS and DFIC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFIS	DFIC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.98	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.81	-0.15

Drawdowns

DFIS vs. DFIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, which is greater than DFIC's maximum drawdown of -24.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and DFIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIS	DFIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.23%	-24.40%	-2.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-11.00%	-1.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-13.14%	-0.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.91%	-1.32%	-0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-4.55%	-1.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	2.76%	+0.46%

Volatility

DFIS vs. DFIC - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a higher volatility of 4.71% compared to DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) at 4.34%. This indicates that DFIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIS	DFIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	4.34%	+0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.04%	11.50%	+0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.54%	13.85%	+0.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.32%	16.21%	+1.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.32%	16.21%	+1.11%

DFIS vs. DFIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIC's 0.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIS vs. DFIC - Dividend Comparison

DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than DFIC's 2.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.27%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.02%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIS and DFIC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFIS and DFIC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DFIS or DFIC?

DFIS has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to DFIC (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs DFIC's -24.40%.

Which ETF is better, DFIS or DFIC?

On 3-year performance, DFIC leads with 19.43% vs 19.32% for DFIS. On fees, DFIC is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, DFIC has been the lower-risk option at 4.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIS or DFIC?

Over the 3-year period, DFIC has performed better with a 19.43% return vs 19.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIS or DFIC?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFIS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFIS or DFIC?

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 2.02% for DFIS.

What is the main difference between DFIS and DFIC?

DFIS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFIC is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFIS and 0.23% for DFIC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.94), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.