DLS vs. IEI
DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and IEI (iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while IEI is a Government Bonds fund tracking the ICE U.S. Treasury 3-7 Year Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 8.07%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for IEI. At a correlation of -0.16, they often move in opposite directions. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for IEI.
Performance
DLS vs. IEI - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DLS achieves a 7.56% return, which is significantly higher than IEI's -0.30% return. Over the past 10 years, DLS has outperformed IEI with an annualized return of 8.07%, while IEI has yielded a comparatively lower 1.24% annualized return.
DLS
- 1D
- 0.13%
- 1M
- -1.27%
- YTD
- 7.56%
- 6M
- 9.92%
- 1Y
- 21.66%
- 3Y*
- 16.92%
- 5Y*
- 6.78%
- 10Y*
- 8.07%
IEI
- 1D
- -0.12%
- 1M
- -0.00%
- YTD
- -0.30%
- 6M
- -0.00%
- 1Y
- 2.97%
- 3Y*
- 3.77%
- 5Y*
- 0.21%
- 10Y*
- 1.24%
DLS vs. IEI - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend | 7.56% | 34.11% | 3.06% | 15.33% | -17.31% | 11.71% | -1.28% | 22.20% | -18.95% | 31.83% |
IEI iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF | -0.30% | 6.96% | 1.81% | 4.42% | -9.51% | -2.54% | 6.95% | 5.71% | 1.36% | 1.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between DLS and IEI is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.37 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.31 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.21 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.02 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2007 | -0.16 |
The correlation between DLS and IEI shifts across timeframes, from -0.16 (all time) to 0.37 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
DLS vs. IEI — Risk / Return Rank
DLS
IEI
DLS vs. IEI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI). 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.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| DLS | IEI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.58 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.75 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.17 | +0.11 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.97 | 1.19 | +0.78 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.11 | 3.35 | +3.75 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
DLS vs. IEI - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, which is greater than IEI's maximum drawdown of -14.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and IEI.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| DLS | IEI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -63.13% | -14.60% | -48.53% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.04% | -2.50% | -8.54% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -12.69% | -3.66% | -9.03% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -32.22% | -13.88% | -18.34% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -44.77% | -14.60% | -30.17% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.36% | -1.74% | -0.62% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -13.63% | -2.67% | -10.96% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.06% | 0.89% | +2.17% |
Volatility
DLS vs. IEI - Volatility Comparison
WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) has a higher volatility of 4.90% compared to iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI) at 0.98%. This indicates that DLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| DLS | IEI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.90% | 0.98% | +3.92% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.48% | 2.18% | +9.30% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.81% | 3.00% | +10.81% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.64% | 4.78% | +10.86% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.68% | 3.93% | +12.75% |
DLS vs. IEI - Expense Ratio Comparison
DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than IEI's 0.15% expense ratio.
Dividends
DLS vs. IEI - Dividend Comparison
DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, less than IEI's 3.64% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% |
IEI iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF | 3.64% | 3.48% | 3.18% | 2.36% | 1.37% | 0.73% | 1.12% | 2.01% | 1.95% | 1.51% | 1.33% | 1.39% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DLS and IEI have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DLS has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to IEI (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs IEI's -14.60%.
On 10-year performance, DLS leads with 8.07% vs 1.24% for IEI. On fees, IEI is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IEI has been the lower-risk option at 0.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, DLS has performed better with a 8.07% return vs 1.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IEI is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.
IEI has the higher dividend yield at 3.64%, compared with 3.47% for DLS.
DLS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while IEI is Government Bonds. DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while IEI tracks ICE U.S. Treasury 3-7 Year Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DLS and 0.15% for IEI.
DLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 1.00), 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.
Find the right allocation for DLS and IEI
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer