DIM vs. DLS

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DIM (WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund) and DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) are both exchange-traded funds - DIM is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Index, while DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DIM returned 7.98%/yr vs 7.56%/yr for DLS. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.58% expense ratio.

Performance

DIM vs. DLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund (DIM) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DIM having a 7.79% return and DLS slightly lower at 7.64%. Over the past 10 years, DIM has outperformed DLS with an annualized return of 7.98%, while DLS has yielded a comparatively lower 7.56% annualized return.

DIM

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 10.77%
• 1Y: 20.07%
• 3Y*: 18.23%
• 5Y*: 8.43%
• 10Y*: 7.98%

DLS

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.93%
• YTD: 7.64%
• 6M: 10.96%
• 1Y: 22.21%
• 3Y*: 17.64%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 7.56%

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

DIM vs. DLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIM WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund	7.79%	37.25%	3.51%	15.00%	-14.09%	9.55%	-0.40%	19.85%	-15.32%	28.01%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	7.64%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	22.20%	-18.95%	31.83%

Correlation

The correlation between DIM and DLS is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2006	0.93

The correlation between DIM and DLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DIM vs. DLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DIM	DLS
Financial Services	25.0%	13.3%
Industrials	21.5%	27.8%
Real Estate	7.9%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	12.8%
Utilities	7.6%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	7.9%
Basic Materials	5.6%	8.9%
Communication Services	5.5%	4.4%
Energy	5.2%	3.0%
Healthcare	3.8%	3.7%
Technology	3.7%	8.4%

Return for Risk

DIM vs. DLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIM

DIM Risk / Return Rank: 43
DIM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DIM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
DIM Omega Ratio Rank: 42
DIM Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DIM Martin Ratio Rank: 46

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 47
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

DIM vs. DLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund (DIM) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). 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.

	DIM	DLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.66	-0.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.37	-0.20
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.30	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	2.22	-0.18
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.75	8.19	-0.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DIM vs. DLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIM Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the DLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIM and DLS, 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

	DIM	DLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.55	1.66	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.45	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.45	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	0.34	-0.03

Drawdowns

DIM vs. DLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIM drawdown since its inception was -61.45%, roughly equal to the maximum DLS drawdown of -63.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIM and DLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIM	DLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.45%	-63.13%	+1.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.56%	-11.04%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.13%	-12.69%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.71%	-32.22%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.89%	-44.77%	+3.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.84%	-2.28%	-0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.63%	-13.65%	+1.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	2.99%	-0.22%

Volatility

DIM vs. DLS - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund (DIM) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) have volatilities of 4.39% and 4.55%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIM	DLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.39%	4.55%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.69%	10.95%	-0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.05%	13.52%	-0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	15.57%	-0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.91%	16.67%	+0.24%

DIM vs. DLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DIM and DLS have an expense ratio of 0.58%.

Dividends

DIM vs. DLS - Dividend Comparison

DIM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, less than DLS's 3.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIM WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund	2.83%	3.20%	3.58%	4.62%	3.96%	3.65%	2.53%	3.26%	3.28%	2.57%	2.94%	2.81%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.47%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIM and DLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DIM and DLS 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 is riskier, DIM or DLS?

DLS has higher volatility (4.55%) compared to DIM (4.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIM dropped -61.45% vs DLS's -63.13%.

Which ETF is better, DIM or DLS?

On 10-year performance, DIM leads with 7.98% vs 7.56% for DLS. Both ETFs have the same 0.58% expense ratio. On volatility, DIM has been the lower-risk option at 4.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DIM or DLS?

Over the 10-year period, DIM has performed better with a 7.98% return vs 7.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DIM or DLS?

DIM and DLS have the same expense ratio: 0.58% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DIM or DLS?

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 2.83% for DIM.

What is the main difference between DIM and DLS?

DIM is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while DLS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. DIM tracks WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Index, while DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.55), 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.