DLS vs. IWB

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and IWB (iShares Russell 1000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while IWB is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 8.07%/yr vs 15.13%/yr for IWB. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for IWB.

Performance

DLS vs. IWB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and iShares Russell 1000 ETF (IWB). 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 IWB's 8.87% return. Over the past 10 years, DLS has underperformed IWB with an annualized return of 8.07%, while IWB has yielded a comparatively higher 15.13% annualized return.

DLS

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 7.56%
• 6M: 9.92%
• 1Y: 23.02%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 6.78%
• 10Y*: 8.07%

IWB

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 8.87%
• 6M: 9.10%
• 1Y: 25.04%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 12.51%
• 10Y*: 15.13%

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

DLS vs. IWB - 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%
IWB iShares Russell 1000 ETF	8.87%	17.18%	24.32%	26.39%	-19.19%	26.32%	20.77%	31.06%	-4.90%	21.52%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and IWB is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.77

The correlation between DLS and IWB shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (3 years) to 0.77 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DLS vs. IWB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DLS	IWB
Industrials	27.8%	8.7%
Financial Services	13.4%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	10.0%
Basic Materials	9.2%	1.9%
Technology	8.9%	37.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	4.4%
Real Estate	7.6%	2.1%
Communication Services	4.3%	10.4%
Healthcare	3.6%	8.5%
Energy	2.7%	3.2%
Utilities	2.0%	2.1%

Return for Risk

DLS vs. IWB — 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

IWB

IWB Risk / Return Rank: 67
IWB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
IWB Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
IWB Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IWB Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
IWB Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. IWB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and iShares Russell 1000 ETF (IWB). 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	IWB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.91	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.60	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.35	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.67	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.11	11.98	-4.87

DLS vs. IWB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the IWB Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS and IWB, 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. IWB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, which is greater than IWB's maximum drawdown of -55.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and IWB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	IWB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-55.38%	-7.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-8.86%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-19.09%	+6.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-25.20%	-7.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	-34.60%	-10.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	-2.21%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.63%	-10.85%	-2.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	1.98%	+1.08%

Volatility

DLS vs. IWB - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) has a higher volatility of 4.90% compared to iShares Russell 1000 ETF (IWB) at 4.37%. This indicates that DLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	IWB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	4.37%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.48%	9.64%	+1.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.81%	12.39%	+1.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.64%	17.17%	-1.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.68%	18.16%	-1.48%

DLS vs. IWB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than IWB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. IWB - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than IWB's 0.93% 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%
IWB iShares Russell 1000 ETF	0.93%	1.00%	1.14%	1.31%	1.56%	1.09%	1.37%	1.71%	2.06%	1.64%	1.89%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLS and IWB in my portfolio?

DLS and IWB have a correlation of 0.71, 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 IWB?

DLS has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to IWB (4.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs IWB's -55.38%.

Which ETF is better, DLS or IWB?

On 10-year performance, IWB leads with 15.13% vs 8.07% for DLS. On fees, IWB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IWB has been the lower-risk option at 4.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLS or IWB?

Over the 10-year period, IWB has performed better with a 15.13% 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 IWB?

IWB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

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

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 0.93% for IWB.

What is the main difference between DLS and IWB?

DLS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while IWB is Large Cap Blend Equities. DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while IWB tracks Russell 1000 Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DLS and 0.15% for IWB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 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.