DSI vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DSI (iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DSI returned 15.46%/yr vs 35.54%/yr for SOXX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

DSI vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSI achieves a 12.25% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 100.26% return. Over the past 10 years, DSI has underperformed SOXX with an annualized return of 15.46%, while SOXX has yielded a comparatively higher 35.54% annualized return.

DSI

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: 5.94%
• YTD: 12.25%
• 6M: 12.41%
• 1Y: 30.27%
• 3Y*: 22.43%
• 5Y*: 13.37%
• 10Y*: 15.46%

SOXX

• 1D: -2.10%
• 1M: 24.86%
• YTD: 100.26%
• 6M: 97.20%
• 1Y: 179.78%
• 3Y*: 57.09%
• 5Y*: 33.93%
• 10Y*: 35.54%

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

DSI vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	12.25%	18.03%	22.38%	28.51%	-21.71%	31.32%	20.94%	31.15%	-3.90%	20.89%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	100.26%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DSI and SOXX is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2006	0.76

The correlation between DSI and SOXX shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.81 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DSI vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSI	SOXX
Technology	40.1%	100.0%
Communication Services	13.9%	-
Financial Services	10.6%	-
Industrials	8.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	-
Healthcare	7.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	-
Real Estate	2.7%	-
Basic Materials	2.3%	-
Energy	1.6%	-
Utilities	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

DSI vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSI

DSI Risk / Return Rank: 67
DSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DSI Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
DSI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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.

	DSI	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.33	5.29	-2.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	5.16	-1.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.71	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	11.48	-8.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.58	43.90	-32.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DSI vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSI Sharpe Ratio is 2.33, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSI and SOXX, 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

	DSI	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.33	5.29	-2.96
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.94	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	1.07	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.44	+0.11

Drawdowns

DSI vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSI drawdown since its inception was -54.23%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSI and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSI	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.23%	-70.21%	+15.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-15.77%	+4.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.58%	-41.36%	+20.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.36%	-45.75%	+17.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.10%	-45.75%	+11.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-2.10%	+1.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.52%	-19.97%	+12.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.62%	4.11%	-1.49%

Volatility

DSI vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) is 3.95%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 14.08%. This indicates that DSI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSI	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	14.08%	-10.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	27.45%	-17.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.05%	34.20%	-21.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.92%	36.11%	-18.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.71%	33.43%	-14.72%

DSI vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSI vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

DSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.84%, more than SOXX's 0.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	0.84%	0.92%	1.03%	1.19%	1.39%	0.99%	1.22%	1.40%	1.63%	1.28%	1.51%	1.46%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.28%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSI and SOXX in my portfolio?

DSI and SOXX have a correlation of 0.69, 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 SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (14.08%) compared to DSI (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSI dropped -54.23% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, DSI or SOXX?

On 10-year performance, SOXX leads with 35.54% vs 15.46% for DSI. On fees, DSI is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DSI has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSI or SOXX?

Over the 10-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 35.54% return vs 15.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSI or SOXX?

DSI is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for SOXX.

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

DSI has the higher dividend yield at 0.84%, compared with 0.28% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between DSI and SOXX?

DSI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SOXX is Semiconductors. DSI tracks MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DSI and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.29 vs 2.33), 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.