DFMC vs. IWC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFMC (Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF) and IWC (iShares Micro-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. DFMC is actively managed, while IWC is passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFMC charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for IWC.

Performance

DFMC vs. IWC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

DFMC

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 4.99%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IWC

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 4.00%
• YTD: 23.36%
• 6M: 19.51%
• 1Y: 59.41%
• 3Y*: 23.10%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 12.07%

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

DFMC vs. IWC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	17.57%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	24.66%

Correlation

The correlation between DFMC and IWC is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2026	0.79

Return for Risk

DFMC vs. IWC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFMC

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

IWC

IWC Risk / Return Rank: 77
IWC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IWC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
IWC Omega Ratio Rank: 66
IWC Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
IWC Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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. IWC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC). 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.

	DFMC	IWC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.45	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.14	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.38	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.80	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	15.64	—

Drawdowns

DFMC vs. IWC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFMC drawdown since its inception was -4.29%, smaller than the maximum IWC drawdown of -64.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFMC and IWC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFMC	IWC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-64.61%	+60.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.43%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-40.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.76%	-15.25%	+14.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.81%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFMC	IWC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.66%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.31%	24.39%	-8.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	24.58%	-8.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.31%	24.52%	-8.21%

DFMC vs. IWC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFMC has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than IWC's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFMC vs. IWC - Dividend Comparison

DFMC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IWC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%.

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%
IWC iShares Micro-Cap ETF	0.98%	1.10%	1.06%	1.17%	1.18%	0.78%	0.98%	1.19%	1.01%	1.09%	1.16%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFMC and IWC in my portfolio?

DFMC and IWC have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DFMC or IWC?

On fees, DFMC is cheaper at 0.41% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFMC or IWC?

DFMC is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for IWC.

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

IWC has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.00% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between DFMC and IWC?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFMC and 0.60% for IWC.