DFMC vs. IJR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFMC (Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF) and IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. DFMC is actively managed, while IJR is passively managed. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFMC charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IJR.

Performance

DFMC vs. IJR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFMC

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IJR

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 1.67%
• YTD: 15.38%
• 6M: 14.25%
• 1Y: 31.54%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: 5.64%
• 10Y*: 10.66%

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

DFMC vs. IJR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	11.97%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	12.66%

Correlation

The correlation between DFMC and IJR is 0.98 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2026	0.98

Return for Risk

DFMC vs. IJR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJR

IJR Risk / Return Rank: 58
IJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
IJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
IJR Omega Ratio Rank: 49
IJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IJR Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

DFMC vs. IJR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFMC	IJR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.26	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.79	0.43	+4.36

Drawdowns

DFMC vs. IJR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFMC drawdown since its inception was -4.29%, smaller than the maximum IJR drawdown of -58.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFMC and IJR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFMC	IJR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-58.15%	+53.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.68%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-28.02%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.02%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.36%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-0.91%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-9.28%	+8.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFMC	IJR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.45%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.19%	17.54%	-1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.19%	21.41%	-5.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.19%	22.91%	-6.72%

DFMC vs. IJR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFMC has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than IJR's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFMC vs. IJR - Dividend Comparison

DFMC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	1.15%	1.44%	2.05%	1.31%	1.41%	1.53%	1.11%	1.44%	1.58%	1.20%	1.22%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFMC and IJR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DFMC and IJR 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 ETF is better, DFMC or IJR?

On fees, IJR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFMC or IJR?

IJR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for DFMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFMC or IJR?

IJR has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.00% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between DFMC and IJR?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFMC and 0.06% for IJR.