DSI vs. QUS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

DSI (iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF) and QUS (SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - DSI tracks the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index while QUS tracks the MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DSI returned 15.48%/yr vs 13.70%/yr for QUS. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QUS.

Performance

DSI vs. QUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSI achieves a 8.29% return, which is significantly higher than QUS's 5.85% return. Over the past 10 years, DSI has outperformed QUS with an annualized return of 15.48%, while QUS has yielded a comparatively lower 13.70% annualized return.

DSI

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -1.49%
• YTD: 8.29%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 23.00%
• 3Y*: 20.30%
• 5Y*: 12.23%
• 10Y*: 15.48%

QUS

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -1.09%
• YTD: 5.85%
• 6M: 4.77%
• 1Y: 15.61%
• 3Y*: 16.80%
• 5Y*: 10.66%
• 10Y*: 13.70%

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

DSI vs. QUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	8.29%	18.03%	22.38%	28.51%	-21.71%	31.32%	20.94%	31.15%	-3.90%	20.89%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	5.85%	14.13%	18.99%	21.78%	-14.15%	26.72%	12.40%	32.45%	-3.66%	21.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DSI and QUS is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 16, 2015	0.86

The correlation between DSI and QUS shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (1 year) to 0.92 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DSI vs. QUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSI	QUS
Technology	43.1%	29.2%
Communication Services	12.8%	9.9%
Financial Services	10.1%	14.0%
Industrials	8.0%	8.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	5.5%
Healthcare	7.0%	13.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	8.7%
Real Estate	2.6%	1.3%
Basic Materials	2.2%	2.2%
Energy	1.5%	4.2%
Utilities	0.9%	3.4%

Return for Risk

DSI vs. QUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSI

DSI Risk / Return Rank: 53
DSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DSI Omega Ratio Rank: 54
DSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
DSI Martin Ratio Rank: 54

QUS

QUS Risk / Return Rank: 57
QUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
QUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
QUS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
QUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

DSI vs. QUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). 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.

	DSI	QUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.71	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.44	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.31	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.29	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.57	10.09	-1.52

DSI vs. QUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the QUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSI and QUS, 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

DSI vs. QUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSI drawdown since its inception was -54.23%, which is greater than QUS's maximum drawdown of -33.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSI and QUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSI	QUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.23%	-33.78%	-20.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-6.85%	-4.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.58%	-13.94%	-6.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.36%	-22.30%	-6.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.10%	-33.78%	-0.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-1.80%	-1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-3.69%	-3.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	1.55%	+1.14%

Volatility

DSI vs. QUS - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) has a higher volatility of 5.58% compared to SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) at 2.71%. This indicates that DSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSI	QUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.58%	2.71%	+2.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.04%	6.96%	+4.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.76%	9.20%	+4.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.04%	14.34%	+3.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.73%	16.43%	+2.30%

DSI vs. QUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than QUS's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DSI vs. QUS - Dividend Comparison

DSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, less than QUS's 1.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	0.89%	0.92%	1.03%	1.19%	1.39%	0.99%	1.22%	1.40%	1.63%	1.28%	1.51%	1.46%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	1.32%	1.38%	1.49%	1.57%	1.68%	1.27%	1.73%	1.81%	2.12%	1.86%	2.07%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSI and QUS in my portfolio?

DSI and QUS have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSI or QUS?

DSI has higher volatility (5.58%) compared to QUS (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSI dropped -54.23% vs QUS's -33.78%.

Which ETF is better, DSI or QUS?

On 10-year performance, DSI leads with 15.48% vs 13.70% for QUS. On fees, QUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QUS has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSI or QUS?

Over the 10-year period, DSI has performed better with a 15.48% return vs 13.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSI or QUS?

QUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DSI or QUS?

QUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.32%, compared with 0.89% for DSI.

What is the main difference between DSI and QUS?

DSI tracks MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while QUS tracks MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD). They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DSI and 0.15% for QUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.69), 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.