DFIS vs. DFSV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFSV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIS returned 19.32%/yr vs 16.87%/yr for DFSV. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFIS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DFSV.

Performance

DFIS vs. DFSV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFIS achieves a 10.27% return, which is significantly lower than DFSV's 15.01% return.

DFIS

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

DFSV

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 15.01%
• 6M: 14.63%
• 1Y: 33.99%
• 3Y*: 16.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIS vs. DFSV - 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%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	15.01%	8.59%	7.13%	19.26%	-3.98%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIS and DFSV is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.70

The correlation between DFIS and DFSV shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (1 year) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFIS vs. DFSV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIS	DFSV
Industrials	23.9%	15.1%
Basic Materials	14.2%	5.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	13.5%
Financial Services	12.0%	27.5%
Technology	9.6%	8.1%
Energy	6.0%	13.6%
Healthcare	5.2%	6.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	5.8%
Real Estate	3.7%	0.9%
Communication Services	3.6%	2.6%
Utilities	3.3%	0.6%

Return for Risk

DFIS vs. DFSV — 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

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. DFSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV). 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	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.95	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.84	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	3.64	-1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.73	11.57	-2.84
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. DFSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the DFSV Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIS and DFSV, 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	DFSV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.95	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.53	+0.14

Drawdowns

DFIS vs. DFSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, roughly equal to the maximum DFSV drawdown of -28.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and DFSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIS	DFSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.23%	-28.02%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-9.39%	-3.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-28.02%	+14.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.91%	-0.84%	-1.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-6.71%	+0.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	2.95%	+0.27%

Volatility

DFIS vs. DFSV - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a higher volatility of 4.71% compared to Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) at 3.95%. This indicates that DFIS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFSV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIS	DFSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	3.95%	+0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.04%	11.28%	+0.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.54%	17.63%	-3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.32%	22.24%	-4.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.32%	22.24%	-4.92%

DFIS vs. DFSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFSV's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIS vs. DFSV - Dividend Comparison

DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, more than DFSV's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.02%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.42%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIS and DFSV in my portfolio?

DFIS and DFSV have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFIS or DFSV?

DFIS has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to DFSV (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs DFSV's -28.02%.

Which ETF is better, DFIS or DFSV?

On 3-year performance, DFIS leads with 19.32% vs 16.87% for DFSV. On fees, DFSV is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIS or DFSV?

Over the 3-year period, DFIS has performed better with a 19.32% return vs 16.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIS or DFSV?

DFSV is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DFIS.

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

DFIS has the higher dividend yield at 2.02%, compared with 1.42% for DFSV.

What is the main difference between DFIS and DFSV?

DFIS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DFSV is Small Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFIS and 0.31% for DFSV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 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.