DFMC vs. ISCB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFMC (Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF) and ISCB (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. DFMC is actively managed, while ISCB is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFMC charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ISCB.

Performance

DFMC vs. ISCB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB). 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*: —

ISCB

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 2.77%
• YTD: 11.43%
• 6M: 11.42%
• 1Y: 29.48%
• 3Y*: 16.41%
• 5Y*: 5.72%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

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

DFMC vs. ISCB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	11.97%
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	11.39%

Correlation

The correlation between DFMC and ISCB is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2026	0.94

Return for Risk

DFMC vs. ISCB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCB

ISCB Risk / Return Rank: 56
ISCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
ISCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
ISCB Omega Ratio Rank: 49
ISCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
ISCB Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. ISCB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB). 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	ISCB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.79	0.38	+4.41

Drawdowns

DFMC vs. ISCB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFMC drawdown since its inception was -4.29%, smaller than the maximum ISCB drawdown of -61.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFMC and ISCB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFMC	ISCB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-61.25%	+56.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.39%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.22%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-0.67%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-9.80%	+8.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.63%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFMC	ISCB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.28%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.43%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.19%	16.51%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.19%	21.39%	-5.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.19%	22.68%	-6.49%

DFMC vs. ISCB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFMC has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than ISCB's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFMC vs. ISCB - Dividend Comparison

DFMC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ISCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%.

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%
ISCB iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF	1.27%	1.38%	1.31%	1.49%	1.63%	1.26%	1.26%	1.25%	1.60%	1.24%	1.58%	1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFMC and ISCB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DFMC and ISCB 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 ISCB?

On fees, ISCB is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFMC or ISCB?

ISCB is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for DFMC.

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

ISCB has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.00% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between DFMC and ISCB?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFMC and 0.04% for ISCB.