DFIS vs. DLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) and DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. DFIS is actively managed, while DLS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFIS returned 19.32%/yr vs 17.27%/yr for DLS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFIS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DLS.

Performance

DFIS vs. DLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). 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 higher than DLS's 6.63% return.

DFIS

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

DLS

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 6.63%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 22.56%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: 7.46%

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

DFIS vs. DLS - 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%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	6.63%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-11.54%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIS and DLS is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
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	0.96

The correlation between DFIS and DLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFIS vs. DLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFIS	DLS
Industrials	23.9%	27.8%
Basic Materials	14.2%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	12.8%
Financial Services	12.0%	13.3%
Technology	9.6%	8.4%
Energy	6.0%	3.0%
Healthcare	5.2%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	7.9%
Real Estate	3.7%	7.8%
Communication Services	3.6%	4.4%
Utilities	3.3%	2.1%

Return for Risk

DFIS vs. DLS — 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

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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. DLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). 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	DLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.69	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.41	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	2.05	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.73	7.55	+1.18
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. DLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the DLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIS and DLS, 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	DLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.69	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.42	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.33	+0.33

Drawdowns

DFIS vs. DLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIS drawdown since its inception was -27.23%, smaller than the maximum DLS drawdown of -63.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIS and DLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIS	DLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.23%	-63.13%	+35.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-11.04%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-12.69%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.22%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.77%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.91%	-3.20%	+1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-13.65%	+7.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	2.99%	+0.23%

Volatility

DFIS vs. DLS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) have volatilities of 4.71% and 4.58%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFIS	DLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	4.58%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.04%	10.98%	+1.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.54%	13.44%	+1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.32%	15.57%	+1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.32%	16.67%	+0.65%

DFIS vs. DLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than DLS's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIS vs. DLS - Dividend Comparison

DFIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than DLS's 3.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.02%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.50%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIS and DLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DFIS and DLS 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 DLS?

DFIS has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to DLS (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIS dropped -27.23% vs DLS's -63.13%.

Which ETF is better, DFIS or DLS?

On 3-year performance, DFIS leads with 19.32% vs 17.27% for DLS. On fees, DFIS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIS or DLS?

Over the 3-year period, DFIS has performed better with a 19.32% return vs 17.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIS or DLS?

DFIS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

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

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 2.02% for DFIS.

What is the main difference between DFIS and DLS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFIS and 0.58% for DLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.69), 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.