DLS vs. DIM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and DIM (WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while DIM is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 7.46%/yr vs 7.90%/yr for DIM. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.58% expense ratio.

Performance

DLS vs. DIM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DLS having a 6.63% return and DIM slightly higher at 6.96%. Over the past 10 years, DLS has underperformed DIM with an annualized return of 7.46%, while DIM has yielded a comparatively higher 7.90% 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%

DIM

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 6.96%
• 6M: 9.54%
• 1Y: 20.14%
• 3Y*: 17.93%
• 5Y*: 8.04%
• 10Y*: 7.90%

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

DLS vs. DIM - 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%
DIM WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund	6.96%	37.25%	3.51%	15.00%	-14.09%	9.55%	-0.40%	19.85%	-15.32%	28.01%

Correlation

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

DLS vs. DIM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

DLS vs. DIM — 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

DIM

DIM Risk / Return Rank: 43
DIM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DIM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
DIM Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DIM Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
DIM Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. DIM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund (DIM). 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	DIM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.56	+0.14
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.19	+0.23
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.28	+0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	1.92	+0.14
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.55	7.26	+0.29
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. DIM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the DIM Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS and DIM, 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	DIM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.56	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.52	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.47	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.30	+0.03

Drawdowns

DLS vs. DIM - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	DIM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-61.45%	-1.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-10.56%	-0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-12.13%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-30.71%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	-40.89%	-3.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.20%	-3.59%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-12.63%	-1.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	2.78%	+0.21%

Volatility

DLS vs. DIM - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) has a higher volatility of 4.58% compared to WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund (DIM) at 4.20%. This indicates that DLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DIM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	DIM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	4.20%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	10.71%	+0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.44%	13.03%	+0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.57%	15.43%	+0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	16.91%	-0.24%

DLS vs. DIM - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DLS vs. DIM - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, more than DIM's 2.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIM WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund	2.85%	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	3.50%	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 DIM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DLS and DIM 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 DIM?

DLS has higher volatility (4.58%) compared to DIM (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs DIM's -61.45%.

Which ETF is better, DLS or DIM?

On 10-year performance, DIM leads with 7.90% vs 7.46% for DLS. Both ETFs have the same 0.58% expense ratio. On volatility, DIM has been the lower-risk option at 4.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLS or DIM?

Over the 10-year period, DIM has performed better with a 7.90% return vs 7.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLS or DIM?

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

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

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 2.85% for DIM.

What is the main difference between DLS and DIM?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.56), 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.