DWLD vs. DFNL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DWLD (Davis Select Worldwide ETF) and DFNL (Davis Select Financial ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DWLD is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Davis Advisers, while DFNL is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Davis Advisers. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DWLD returned 8.09%/yr vs 10.20%/yr for DFNL. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DWLD charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for DFNL.

Performance

DWLD vs. DFNL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Davis Select Worldwide ETF (DWLD) and Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DWLD achieves a 2.89% return, which is significantly higher than DFNL's -5.82% return.

DWLD

• 1D: -1.70%
• 1M: 2.78%
• YTD: 2.89%
• 6M: 5.82%
• 1Y: 22.23%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 8.09%
• 10Y*: —

DFNL

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -1.94%
• YTD: -5.82%
• 6M: -1.79%
• 1Y: 12.54%
• 3Y*: 22.23%
• 5Y*: 10.20%
• 10Y*: —

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

DWLD vs. DFNL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DWLD Davis Select Worldwide ETF	2.89%	30.43%	24.34%	20.62%	-14.20%	-4.03%	22.73%	31.28%	-22.28%	30.10%
DFNL Davis Select Financial ETF	-5.82%	28.59%	28.56%	14.45%	-8.45%	31.25%	-4.97%	27.37%	-11.59%	20.46%

Correlation

The correlation between DWLD and DFNL is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2017	0.70

The correlation between DWLD and DFNL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

DWLD vs. DFNL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DWLD	DFNL
Consumer Cyclical	21.4%	1.0%
Financial Services	20.2%	92.6%
Technology	17.4%	3.7%
Communication Services	11.9%	-
Healthcare	11.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	-
Energy	5.8%	-
Basic Materials	3.5%	-
Industrials	0.8%	2.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DWLD vs. DFNL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DWLD

DWLD Risk / Return Rank: 42
DWLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DWLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
DWLD Omega Ratio Rank: 41
DWLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DWLD Martin Ratio Rank: 42

DFNL

DFNL Risk / Return Rank: 23
DFNL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
DFNL Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DFNL Omega Ratio Rank: 23
DFNL Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DFNL Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

DWLD vs. DFNL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Davis Select Worldwide ETF (DWLD) and Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL). 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.

	DWLD	DFNL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	0.86	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	1.27	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.15	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.98	0.97	+1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.83	2.84	+4.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DWLD vs. DFNL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is higher than the DFNL Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWLD and DFNL, 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

	DWLD	DFNL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.51	0.86	+0.65
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.53	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.51	+0.02

Drawdowns

DWLD vs. DFNL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWLD drawdown since its inception was -39.27%, smaller than the maximum DFNL drawdown of -44.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWLD and DFNL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWLD	DFNL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.27%	-44.51%	+5.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-12.94%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.01%	-16.05%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.75%	-26.27%	-10.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.70%	-8.54%	+6.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.35%	-7.66%	-3.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	4.43%	-1.17%

Volatility

DWLD vs. DFNL - Volatility Comparison

Davis Select Worldwide ETF (DWLD) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL) at 3.93%. This indicates that DWLD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFNL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DWLD	DFNL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	3.93%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.09%	11.22%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.79%	14.68%	+0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.66%	19.33%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.22%	22.62%	-1.40%

DWLD vs. DFNL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWLD has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than DFNL's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWLD vs. DFNL - Dividend Comparison

DWLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%, more than DFNL's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFNL Davis Select Financial ETF	1.45%	1.37%	2.19%	2.33%	3.34%	2.45%	1.45%	2.52%	3.12%	1.10%
DWLD Davis Select Worldwide ETF	1.52%	1.56%	1.45%	1.23%	0.75%	1.03%	0.24%	2.27%	4.11%	0.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DWLD and DFNL in my portfolio?

DWLD and DFNL have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DWLD or DFNL?

DWLD has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to DFNL (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWLD dropped -39.27% vs DFNL's -44.51%.

Which ETF is better, DWLD or DFNL?

On 5-year performance, DFNL leads with 10.20% vs 8.09% for DWLD. On fees, DWLD is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, DFNL has been the lower-risk option at 3.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DWLD or DFNL?

Over the 5-year period, DFNL has performed better with a 10.20% return vs 8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DWLD or DFNL?

DWLD is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for DFNL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DWLD or DFNL?

DWLD has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 1.45% for DFNL.

What is the main difference between DWLD and DFNL?

DWLD is categorized as Global Equities, while DFNL is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for DWLD and 0.64% for DFNL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DWLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 0.86), 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.