DISV vs. VSS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. DISV is actively managed, while VSS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DISV returned 24.35%/yr vs 16.67%/yr for VSS. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DISV charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.

Performance

DISV vs. VSS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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 DISV having a 10.83% return and VSS slightly lower at 10.57%.

DISV

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 15.28%
• 1Y: 34.34%
• 3Y*: 24.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSS

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 13.10%
• 1Y: 27.32%
• 3Y*: 16.67%
• 5Y*: 5.76%
• 10Y*: 8.07%

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

DISV vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	10.83%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.72%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.57%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-15.47%

Correlation

The correlation between DISV and VSS is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.93

The correlation between DISV and VSS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

DISV vs. VSS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DISV	VSS
Financial Services	18.6%	10.8%
Basic Materials	18.3%	12.1%
Industrials	18.1%	18.7%
Consumer Cyclical	15.3%	9.3%
Energy	9.2%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	3.4%
Technology	4.1%	13.3%
Communication Services	3.4%	2.3%
Real Estate	3.2%	7.3%
Healthcare	3.0%	6.2%
Utilities	2.6%	2.5%

Return for Risk

DISV vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 51
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

DISV vs. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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.

	DISV	VSS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	1.85	+0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	2.54	+0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.34	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	2.36	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.27	9.13	+1.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DISV vs. VSS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DISV Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the VSS Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DISV and VSS, 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

	DISV	VSS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	1.85	+0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.55	+0.38

Drawdowns

DISV vs. VSS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DISV drawdown since its inception was -26.77%, smaller than the maximum VSS drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DISV and VSS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DISV	VSS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.77%	-43.51%	+16.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.69%	-11.62%	-1.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.15%	-15.73%	+1.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-2.58%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.90%	-9.64%	+4.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.00%	+0.35%

Volatility

DISV vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) is 4.16%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) has a volatility of 5.33%. This indicates that DISV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DISV	VSS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	5.33%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.69%	12.64%	-0.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.45%	14.81%	-0.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.36%	16.46%	+0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	17.27%	+0.09%

DISV vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DISV has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

DISV vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison

DISV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, less than VSS's 3.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.39%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.07%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DISV and VSS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DISV and VSS 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, DISV or VSS?

VSS has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to DISV (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DISV dropped -26.77% vs VSS's -43.51%.

Which ETF is better, DISV or VSS?

On 3-year performance, DISV leads with 24.35% vs 16.67% for VSS. On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, DISV has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DISV or VSS?

Over the 3-year period, DISV has performed better with a 24.35% return vs 16.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DISV or VSS?

VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DISV or VSS?

VSS has the higher dividend yield at 3.07%, compared with 2.39% for DISV.

What is the main difference between DISV and VSS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for DISV and 0.07% for VSS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.85), 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.