DLS vs. IJR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while IJR is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 8.07%/yr vs 11.16%/yr for IJR. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IJR.

Performance

DLS vs. IJR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLS achieves a 7.56% return, which is significantly lower than IJR's 19.73% return. Over the past 10 years, DLS has underperformed IJR with an annualized return of 8.07%, while IJR has yielded a comparatively higher 11.16% 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%

IJR

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 6.20%
• YTD: 19.73%
• 6M: 16.47%
• 1Y: 34.35%
• 3Y*: 14.75%
• 5Y*: 6.25%
• 10Y*: 11.16%

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

DLS vs. IJR - 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%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	19.73%	5.89%	8.63%	16.06%	-16.20%	26.58%	11.28%	22.82%	-8.51%	13.15%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and IJR is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.71

The correlation between DLS and IJR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

DLS vs. IJR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DLS	IJR
Industrials	27.8%	15.5%
Financial Services	13.3%	16.8%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	13.4%
Basic Materials	8.9%	5.1%
Technology	8.4%	15.5%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	3.5%
Real Estate	7.8%	7.6%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.6%
Healthcare	3.7%	11.1%
Energy	3.0%	5.9%
Utilities	2.1%	2.0%

Return for Risk

DLS vs. IJR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 50
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 48

IJR

IJR Risk / Return Rank: 74
IJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
IJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IJR Omega Ratio Rank: 64
IJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
IJR Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. IJR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). 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	IJR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.94	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.80	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	3.97	-2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.11	13.35	-6.25

DLS vs. IJR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the IJR Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS and IJR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DLS vs. IJR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, which is greater than IJR's maximum drawdown of -58.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and IJR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	IJR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-58.15%	-4.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-8.68%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-28.02%	+15.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-28.02%	-4.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	-44.36%	-0.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	0.00%	-2.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.63%	-9.27%	-4.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	2.59%	+0.47%

Volatility

DLS vs. IJR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) is 4.90%, while iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) has a volatility of 5.18%. This indicates that DLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IJR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	IJR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	5.18%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.48%	11.97%	-0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.81%	17.76%	-3.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.64%	21.43%	-5.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.68%	22.92%	-6.24%

DLS vs. IJR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than IJR's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. IJR - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than IJR's 1.11% 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%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	1.11%	1.44%	2.05%	1.31%	1.41%	1.53%	1.11%	1.44%	1.58%	1.20%	1.22%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLS and IJR in my portfolio?

DLS and IJR have a correlation of 0.66, 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 IJR?

IJR has higher volatility (5.18%) compared to DLS (4.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs IJR's -58.15%.

Which ETF is better, DLS or IJR?

On 10-year performance, IJR leads with 11.16% vs 8.07% for DLS. On fees, IJR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, DLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLS or IJR?

Over the 10-year period, IJR has performed better with a 11.16% return vs 8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLS or IJR?

IJR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

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

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 1.11% for IJR.

What is the main difference between DLS and IJR?

DLS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while IJR is Small Cap Blend Equities. DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while IJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DLS and 0.06% for IJR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.58), 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.