DSI vs. SUSL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DSI (iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF) and SUSL (iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from iShares - DSI tracks the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index while SUSL tracks the MSCI USA Extended ESG Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DSI returned 12.35%/yr vs 13.07%/yr for SUSL. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for SUSL.

Performance

DSI vs. SUSL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSI achieves a 8.47% return, which is significantly higher than SUSL's 7.19% return.

DSI

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: 8.47%
• 6M: 7.30%
• 1Y: 24.79%
• 3Y*: 20.37%
• 5Y*: 12.35%
• 10Y*: 15.50%

SUSL

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -1.49%
• YTD: 7.19%
• 6M: 6.05%
• 1Y: 24.43%
• 3Y*: 20.87%
• 5Y*: 13.07%
• 10Y*: —

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

DSI vs. SUSL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	8.47%	18.03%	22.38%	28.51%	-21.71%	31.32%	20.94%	13.89%
SUSL iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF	7.19%	18.97%	23.51%	29.08%	-20.22%	31.53%	18.89%	15.09%

Correlation

The correlation between DSI and SUSL is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2019	0.97

The correlation between DSI and SUSL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSI vs. SUSL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSI	SUSL
Technology	43.1%	36.5%
Communication Services	12.8%	13.8%
Financial Services	10.1%	10.5%
Industrials	8.0%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	8.9%
Healthcare	7.0%	9.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	5.2%
Real Estate	2.6%	2.0%
Basic Materials	2.2%	2.0%
Energy	1.5%	2.0%
Utilities	0.9%	1.7%

Return for Risk

DSI vs. SUSL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSI

DSI Risk / Return Rank: 54
DSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DSI Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DSI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

SUSL

SUSL Risk / Return Rank: 54
SUSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SUSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SUSL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SUSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SUSL Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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. SUSL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL). 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	SUSL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.82	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.53	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.25	2.16	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.27	9.13	+0.14

DSI vs. SUSL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the SUSL Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSI and SUSL, 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. SUSL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSI drawdown since its inception was -54.23%, which is greater than SUSL's maximum drawdown of -34.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSI and SUSL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSI	SUSL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.23%	-34.26%	-19.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-11.37%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.58%	-19.91%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.36%	-26.98%	-1.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.50%	-3.26%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-5.67%	-1.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.68%	0.00%

Volatility

DSI vs. SUSL - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) has a higher volatility of 5.59% compared to iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) at 5.01%. This indicates that DSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SUSL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSI	SUSL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	5.01%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.08%	10.81%	+0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.79%	13.55%	+0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.04%	17.58%	+0.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.73%	19.80%	-1.07%

DSI vs. SUSL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SUSL's 0.10% 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. SUSL - Dividend Comparison

DSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, less than SUSL's 0.96% 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%
SUSL iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF	0.96%	0.99%	1.10%	1.27%	1.57%	1.12%	1.38%	1.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSI and SUSL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DSI and SUSL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DSI or SUSL?

DSI has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to SUSL (5.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSI dropped -54.23% vs SUSL's -34.26%.

Which ETF is better, DSI or SUSL?

On 5-year performance, SUSL leads with 13.07% vs 12.35% for DSI. On fees, SUSL is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, SUSL has been the lower-risk option at 5.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSI or SUSL?

Over the 5-year period, SUSL has performed better with a 13.07% return vs 12.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSI or SUSL?

SUSL is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DSI.

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

SUSL has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.89% for DSI.

What is the main difference between DSI and SUSL?

DSI tracks MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while SUSL tracks MSCI USA Extended ESG Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DSI and 0.10% for SUSL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SUSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.81), 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.