DLS vs. AVDV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and AVDV (Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. DLS is passively managed, while AVDV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DLS returned 7.00%/yr vs 14.12%/yr for AVDV. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for AVDV.

Performance

DLS vs. AVDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLS achieves a 7.64% return, which is significantly lower than AVDV's 16.89% return.

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%

AVDV

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 3.88%
• YTD: 16.89%
• 6M: 21.27%
• 1Y: 44.33%
• 3Y*: 28.33%
• 5Y*: 14.12%
• 10Y*: —

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

DLS vs. AVDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	7.64%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	12.69%
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	16.89%	49.37%	8.67%	16.85%	-11.47%	15.80%	5.01%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and AVDV is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2019	0.95

The correlation between DLS and AVDV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DLS vs. AVDV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DLS	AVDV
Industrials	27.8%	21.3%
Financial Services	13.3%	13.7%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	14.4%
Basic Materials	8.9%	22.5%
Technology	8.4%	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	3.4%
Real Estate	7.8%	1.1%
Communication Services	4.4%	2.0%
Healthcare	3.7%	2.1%
Energy	3.0%	10.8%
Utilities	2.1%	1.7%

Return for Risk

DLS vs. AVDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

AVDV

AVDV Risk / Return Rank: 80
AVDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
AVDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
AVDV Omega Ratio Rank: 84
AVDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
AVDV Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

DLS vs. AVDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). 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.

	DLS	AVDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.87	-1.20
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	3.80	-1.43
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.52	-0.22
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	3.55	-1.33
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.19	14.45	-6.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DLS vs. AVDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is lower than the AVDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS and AVDV, 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

	DLS	AVDV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.66	2.87	-1.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	0.82	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.81	-0.47

Drawdowns

DLS vs. AVDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, which is greater than AVDV's maximum drawdown of -43.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and AVDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	AVDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-43.01%	-20.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-13.19%	+2.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-14.17%	+1.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-28.08%	-4.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.28%	-0.62%	-1.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-6.78%	-6.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	3.24%	-0.25%

Volatility

DLS vs. AVDV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) is 4.55%, while Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) has a volatility of 4.93%. This indicates that DLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AVDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	AVDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	4.93%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.95%	13.06%	-2.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.52%	15.61%	-2.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.57%	17.30%	-1.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	19.73%	-3.06%

DLS vs. AVDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than AVDV's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. AVDV - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than AVDV's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDV Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF	2.72%	3.05%	4.31%	3.29%	3.17%	2.39%	1.67%	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 DLS and AVDV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DLS and AVDV 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, DLS or AVDV?

AVDV has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to DLS (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs AVDV's -43.01%.

Which ETF is better, DLS or AVDV?

On 5-year performance, AVDV leads with 14.12% vs 7.00% for DLS. On fees, AVDV is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, DLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLS or AVDV?

Over the 5-year period, AVDV has performed better with a 14.12% return vs 7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLS or AVDV?

AVDV is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

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

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 2.72% for AVDV.

What is the main difference between DLS and AVDV?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DLS and 0.36% for AVDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.87 vs 1.66), 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.