DLS vs. DVY

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and DVY (iShares Select Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while DVY is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 7.53%/yr vs 10.10%/yr for DVY. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DVY.

Performance

DLS vs. DVY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLS achieves a 5.42% return, which is significantly lower than DVY's 10.24% return. Over the past 10 years, DLS has underperformed DVY with an annualized return of 7.53%, while DVY has yielded a comparatively higher 10.10% annualized return.

DLS

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -3.66%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 8.27%
• 1Y: 20.18%
• 3Y*: 16.61%
• 5Y*: 6.41%
• 10Y*: 7.53%

DVY

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 10.24%
• 6M: 11.57%
• 1Y: 21.73%
• 3Y*: 15.00%
• 5Y*: 8.74%
• 10Y*: 10.10%

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

DLS vs. DVY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	5.42%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	22.20%	-18.95%	31.83%
DVY iShares Select Dividend ETF	10.24%	11.60%	16.24%	1.12%	1.80%	31.70%	-4.91%	22.62%	-6.36%	14.82%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and DVY is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2006	0.69

The correlation between DLS and DVY shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DLS vs. DVY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DLS	DVY
Industrials	27.8%	2.1%
Financial Services	13.3%	24.9%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	9.4%
Basic Materials	8.9%	2.3%
Technology	8.4%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	13.5%
Real Estate	7.8%	-
Communication Services	4.4%	6.0%
Healthcare	3.7%	5.0%
Energy	3.0%	9.1%
Utilities	2.1%	24.2%

Return for Risk

DLS vs. DVY — 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: 40
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 44

DVY

DVY Risk / Return Rank: 67
DVY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
DVY Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DVY Omega Ratio Rank: 61
DVY Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DVY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. DVY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY). 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	DVY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.97	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.89	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.34	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	3.17	-1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.69	11.16	-4.48
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. DVY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the DVY Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS and DVY, 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	DVY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.97	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.58	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.56	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.48	-0.15

Drawdowns

DLS vs. DVY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, roughly equal to the maximum DVY drawdown of -62.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and DVY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	DVY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-62.59%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-6.89%	-4.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-16.00%	+3.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-17.54%	-14.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	-41.59%	-3.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.30%	-1.48%	-2.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.64%	-8.79%	-4.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	1.95%	+1.08%

Volatility

DLS vs. DVY - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) has a higher volatility of 4.19% compared to iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) at 2.70%. This indicates that DLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DVY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	DVY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.19%	2.70%	+1.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.16%	7.56%	+3.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.54%	11.11%	+2.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.59%	15.21%	+0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.69%	18.02%	-1.33%

DLS vs. DVY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than DVY's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. DVY - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, more than DVY's 3.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.54%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%
DVY iShares Select Dividend ETF	3.40%	3.65%	3.65%	3.82%	3.43%	3.12%	3.66%	3.41%	3.58%	3.00%	3.04%	3.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLS and DVY in my portfolio?

DLS and DVY have a correlation of 0.50, 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 DVY?

DLS has higher volatility (4.19%) compared to DVY (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs DVY's -62.59%.

Which ETF is better, DLS or DVY?

On 10-year performance, DVY leads with 10.10% vs 7.53% for DLS. On fees, DVY is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DVY has been the lower-risk option at 2.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLS or DVY?

Over the 10-year period, DVY has performed better with a 10.10% return vs 7.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLS or DVY?

DVY is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

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

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.54%, compared with 3.40% for DVY.

What is the main difference between DLS and DVY?

DLS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while DVY is Large Cap Value Equities. DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while DVY tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DLS and 0.39% for DVY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DVY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.50), 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.