DLS vs. DFEVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and DFEVX (DFA Emerging Markets Value Portfolio) are both funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while DFEVX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 7.46%/yr vs 11.65%/yr for DFEVX. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for DFEVX.

Performance

DLS vs. DFEVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and DFA Emerging Markets Value Portfolio (DFEVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLS achieves a 6.63% return, which is significantly lower than DFEVX's 25.72% return. Over the past 10 years, DLS has underperformed DFEVX with an annualized return of 7.46%, while DFEVX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.65% annualized return.

DLS

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 6.63%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 22.56%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: 7.46%

DFEVX

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 9.39%
• YTD: 25.72%
• 6M: 28.51%
• 1Y: 49.44%
• 3Y*: 23.60%
• 5Y*: 11.50%
• 10Y*: 11.65%

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

DLS vs. DFEVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	6.63%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	22.20%	-18.95%	31.83%
DFEVX DFA Emerging Markets Value Portfolio	25.72%	29.50%	6.17%	16.50%	-10.77%	12.42%	2.73%	9.64%	-11.92%	33.77%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and DFEVX is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2006	0.75

The correlation between DLS and DFEVX shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DLS vs. DFEVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

DFEVX

DFEVX Risk / Return Rank: 91
DFEVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
DFEVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DFEVX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
DFEVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
DFEVX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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. DFEVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and DFA Emerging Markets Value Portfolio (DFEVX). 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	DFEVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	3.55	-1.86
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	4.61	-2.20
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.68	-0.37
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	4.42	-2.37
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.55	16.88	-9.33
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. DFEVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is lower than the DFEVX Sharpe Ratio of 3.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS and DFEVX, 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	DFEVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	3.55	-1.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.83	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.75	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.52	-0.18

Drawdowns

DLS vs. DFEVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, smaller than the maximum DFEVX drawdown of -67.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and DFEVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	DFEVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-67.59%	+4.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-11.35%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-16.17%	+3.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-23.52%	-8.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	-47.53%	+2.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.20%	0.00%	-3.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-16.49%	+2.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	2.97%	+0.02%

Volatility

DLS vs. DFEVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) is 4.58%, while DFA Emerging Markets Value Portfolio (DFEVX) has a volatility of 6.05%. This indicates that DLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	DFEVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	6.05%	-1.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	11.95%	-0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.44%	14.14%	-0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.57%	13.95%	+1.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	15.56%	+1.11%

DLS vs. DFEVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than DFEVX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. DFEVX - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, more than DFEVX's 2.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFEVX DFA Emerging Markets Value Portfolio	2.98%	3.80%	4.68%	4.39%	4.44%	3.82%	2.47%	2.47%	2.49%	2.45%	1.99%	2.55%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.50%	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 DFEVX in my portfolio?

DLS and DFEVX have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DLS or DFEVX?

DFEVX has higher volatility (6.05%) compared to DLS (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs DFEVX's -67.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.55 vs 1.69), 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.