DFSV vs. QSML

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFSV (Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF) and QSML (Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while QSML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross. DFSV is actively managed, while QSML is passively managed. Over the past year, DFSV returned 33.99% vs 21.62% for QSML. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSV charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for QSML.

Performance

DFSV vs. QSML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) and Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSV achieves a 15.01% return, which is significantly higher than QSML's 8.06% return.

DFSV

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 15.01%
• 6M: 14.63%
• 1Y: 33.99%
• 3Y*: 16.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QSML

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 8.06%
• 6M: 7.79%
• 1Y: 21.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSV vs. QSML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	15.01%	8.59%	9.00%
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	8.06%	5.49%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSV and QSML is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2024	0.93

The correlation between DFSV and QSML has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFSV vs. QSML - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFSV	QSML
Financial Services	27.5%	13.2%
Industrials	15.1%	17.9%
Energy	13.6%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	16.2%
Technology	8.1%	18.4%
Healthcare	6.9%	10.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	7.4%
Basic Materials	5.4%	3.2%
Communication Services	2.6%	3.3%
Real Estate	0.9%	0.3%
Utilities	0.6%	0.2%

Return for Risk

DFSV vs. QSML — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSV

DFSV Risk / Return Rank: 61
DFSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DFSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFSV Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFSV Martin Ratio Rank: 63

QSML

QSML Risk / Return Rank: 37
QSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
QSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
QSML Omega Ratio Rank: 32
QSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
QSML Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

DFSV vs. QSML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) and Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML). 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.

	DFSV	QSML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.25	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	1.92	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.22	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	2.03	+1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.57	6.71	+4.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFSV vs. QSML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSV Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the QSML Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSV and QSML, 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

	DFSV	QSML	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	1.25	+0.70
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.49	+0.04

Drawdowns

DFSV vs. QSML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSV drawdown since its inception was -28.02%, roughly equal to the maximum QSML drawdown of -28.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSV and QSML.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSV	QSML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.02%	-28.54%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-10.72%	+1.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-1.10%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.71%	-5.98%	-0.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	3.23%	-0.28%

Volatility

DFSV vs. QSML - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF (DFSV) is 3.95%, while Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) has a volatility of 4.35%. This indicates that DFSV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QSML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSV	QSML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	4.35%	-0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.28%	11.86%	-0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	17.46%	+0.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.24%	20.86%	+1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.24%	20.86%	+1.38%

DFSV vs. QSML - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSV has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is lower than QSML's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSV vs. QSML - Dividend Comparison

DFSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than QSML's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFSV Dimensional US Small Cap Value ETF	1.42%	1.53%	1.31%	1.29%	0.90%
QSML Wisdomtree U.S. Smallcap Quality Growth Fund	0.58%	0.62%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSV and QSML in my portfolio?

DFSV and QSML have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSV or QSML?

QSML has higher volatility (4.35%) compared to DFSV (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSV dropped -28.02% vs QSML's -28.54%.

Which ETF is better, DFSV or QSML?

On 1-year performance, DFSV leads with 33.99% vs 21.62% for QSML. On fees, DFSV is cheaper at 0.31% per year. On volatility, DFSV has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFSV or QSML?

Over the 1-year period, DFSV has performed better with a 33.99% return vs 21.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSV or QSML?

DFSV is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for QSML.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFSV or QSML?

DFSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.58% for QSML.

What is the main difference between DFSV and QSML?

DFSV is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while QSML is Small Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for DFSV and 0.38% for QSML.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.25), 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.