DFIS vs. DFISX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFIS returned 18.54%/yr vs 18.61%/yr for DFISX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.39% expense ratio.

Performance

DFIS vs. DFISX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIS achieves a 6.57% return, which is significantly lower than DFISX's 8.00% return.

DFIS

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: -3.36%
• YTD: 6.57%
• 6M: 6.41%
• 1Y: 23.05%
• 3Y*: 18.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFISX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 8.00%
• 6M: 7.58%
• 1Y: 24.06%
• 3Y*: 18.61%
• 5Y*: 7.41%
• 10Y*: 8.95%

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

DFIS vs. DFISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	6.57%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.50%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	8.00%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-10.83%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIS and DFISX 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 24, 2022	0.97

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

Return for Risk

DFIS vs. DFISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 39
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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. DFISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DFIS	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.77	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.51	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.32	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	2.09	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.04	7.53	-0.49

DFIS vs. DFISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the DFISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIS and DFISX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DFIS vs. DFISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, smaller than the maximum DFISX drawdown of -60.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and DFISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIS	DFISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.23%	-60.66%	+33.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-11.96%	-0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-13.68%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.06%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.20%	-2.79%	-2.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.13%	-11.63%	+5.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	3.30%	-0.02%

Volatility

DFIS vs. DFISX - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a higher volatility of 5.72% compared to DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) at 4.42%. This indicates that DFIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIS	DFISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.72%	4.42%	+1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.05%	11.58%	+1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.28%	14.12%	+1.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.39%	15.94%	+1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.39%	16.16%	+1.23%

DFIS vs. DFISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFIS and DFISX have an expense ratio of 0.39%.

Dividends

DFIS vs. DFISX - Dividend Comparison

DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, less than DFISX's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.09%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.91%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIS and DFISX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFIS and DFISX 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 DFISX?

DFIS has higher volatility (5.72%) compared to DFISX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs DFISX's -60.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.52), 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.