DFISX vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both funds - DFISX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Over the past 10 years, DFISX returned 8.53%/yr vs 11.27%/yr for IWM. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFISX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

DFISX vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFISX achieves a 7.65% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 19.22% return. Over the past 10 years, DFISX has underperformed IWM with an annualized return of 8.53%, while IWM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.27% annualized return.

DFISX

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 7.65%
• 6M: 9.88%
• 1Y: 23.06%
• 3Y*: 17.56%
• 5Y*: 6.74%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

IWM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 2.99%
• YTD: 19.22%
• 6M: 16.00%
• 1Y: 41.75%
• 3Y*: 17.23%
• 5Y*: 6.07%
• 10Y*: 11.27%

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

DFISX vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	7.65%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	19.22%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DFISX and IWM is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2000	0.60

The correlation between DFISX and IWM shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (all time) to 0.72 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFISX vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 72
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

DFISX vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.

	DFISX	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.99	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.75	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	3.57	-1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.86	12.63	-5.77

DFISX vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFISX and IWM, 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

DFISX vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFISX drawdown since its inception was -60.66%, roughly equal to the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFISX and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFISX	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.66%	-59.05%	-1.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-11.03%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-27.50%	+13.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.06%	-31.91%	-3.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.00%	-41.13%	-1.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.11%	0.00%	-3.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.64%	-10.76%	-0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	3.12%	+0.17%

Volatility

DFISX vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) is 4.59%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 7.16%. This indicates that DFISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFISX	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	7.16%	-2.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.57%	14.29%	-2.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.17%	19.73%	-5.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.96%	22.61%	-6.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	23.08%	-6.87%

DFISX vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFISX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFISX vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

DFISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, more than IWM's 0.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.92%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.87%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFISX and IWM in my portfolio?

DFISX and IWM have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFISX or IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to DFISX (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFISX dropped -60.66% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.60), 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.