DSMC vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DSMC (Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSMC is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Distillate, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. DSMC is actively managed, while IWM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DSMC returned 13.36%/yr vs 17.88%/yr for IWM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DSMC charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

DSMC vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF (DSMC) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSMC achieves a 12.84% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 17.07% return.

DSMC

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 12.84%
• 6M: 12.14%
• 1Y: 27.29%
• 3Y*: 13.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IWM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 39.10%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

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

DSMC vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DSMC Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF	12.84%	2.73%	2.81%	29.50%	8.68%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between DSMC and IWM is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2022	0.88

The correlation between DSMC and IWM shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DSMC vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSMC	IWM
Technology	21.5%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	19.9%	7.8%
Industrials	17.8%	17.1%
Energy	17.0%	6.0%
Communication Services	6.0%	2.0%
Healthcare	5.0%	15.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.1%
Financial Services	4.1%	15.8%
Basic Materials	3.5%	4.5%
Real Estate	0.4%	5.7%
Utilities	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

DSMC vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSMC

DSMC Risk / Return Rank: 49
DSMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DSMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DSMC Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DSMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DSMC Martin Ratio Rank: 52

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

DSMC vs. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF (DSMC) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.

	DSMC	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.05	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.85	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.34	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	3.56	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.82	12.64	-3.82
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DSMC vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSMC and IWM, 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

	DSMC	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59	2.05	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.37	+0.38

Drawdowns

DSMC vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSMC drawdown since its inception was -28.62%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSMC and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSMC	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.62%	-59.05%	+30.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.33%	-11.03%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.62%	-27.50%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-1.49%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.00%	-10.77%	+4.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	3.10%	0.00%

Volatility

DSMC vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF (DSMC) is 4.40%, while iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has a volatility of 5.75%. This indicates that DSMC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSMC	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	5.75%	-1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.54%	13.53%	-2.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.33%	19.20%	-1.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.39%	22.52%	-2.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.39%	23.04%	-2.65%

DSMC vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSMC has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSMC vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

DSMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.13%, more than IWM's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSMC Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF	1.13%	1.18%	1.31%	1.02%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.88%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSMC and IWM in my portfolio?

DSMC and IWM have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSMC or IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to DSMC (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSMC dropped -28.62% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, DSMC or IWM?

On 3-year performance, IWM leads with 17.88% vs 13.36% for DSMC. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, DSMC has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSMC or IWM?

Over the 3-year period, IWM has performed better with a 17.88% return vs 13.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSMC or IWM?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for DSMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DSMC or IWM?

DSMC has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 0.88% for IWM.

What is the main difference between DSMC and IWM?

DSMC is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Distillate and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for DSMC and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.59), 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.