EEM vs. DFIS

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net), while DFIS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. EEM is passively managed, while DFIS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, EEM returned 22.37%/yr vs 18.63%/yr for DFIS. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EEM charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFIS.

Performance

EEM vs. DFIS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) and Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEM achieves a 28.15% return, which is significantly higher than DFIS's 10.76% return.

EEM

• 1D: 3.29%
• 1M: 7.75%
• YTD: 28.15%
• 6M: 31.50%
• 1Y: 52.42%
• 3Y*: 22.37%
• 5Y*: 7.63%
• 10Y*: 10.16%

DFIS

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 1.59%
• YTD: 10.76%
• 6M: 12.40%
• 1Y: 27.37%
• 3Y*: 18.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EEM vs. DFIS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	28.15%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-14.09%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	10.76%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EEM and DFIS 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.75

The correlation between EEM and DFIS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

EEM vs. DFIS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEM	DFIS
Technology	44.3%	9.8%
Financial Services	17.7%	11.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	13.5%
Industrials	6.6%	24.1%
Communication Services	6.0%	3.7%
Basic Materials	5.9%	14.6%
Energy	3.4%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	5.0%
Healthcare	2.5%	5.3%
Utilities	1.8%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.0%	3.5%

Return for Risk

EEM vs. DFIS — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 82
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 84
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 56
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DFIS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

EEM vs. DFIS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) and Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS). 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.

	EEM	DFIS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	1.84	+0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.56	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.33	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	2.21	+1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.36	8.42	+5.93

EEM vs. DFIS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is higher than the DFIS Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEM and DFIS, 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

EEM vs. DFIS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEM drawdown since its inception was -66.43%, which is greater than DFIS's maximum drawdown of -27.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEM and DFIS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEM	DFIS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.43%	-27.23%	-39.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.52%	-12.44%	-1.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.29%	-13.55%	-3.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-1.47%	+0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.00%	-6.14%	-9.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.66%	3.26%	+0.40%

Volatility

EEM vs. DFIS - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a higher volatility of 11.26% compared to Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) at 5.48%. This indicates that EEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEM	DFIS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.26%	5.48%	+5.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.62%	12.67%	+6.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.84%	15.01%	+6.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.32%	17.36%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.67%	17.36%	+3.31%

EEM vs. DFIS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEM has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEM vs. DFIS - Dividend Comparison

EEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.24%, more than DFIS's 2.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.01%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.24%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EEM and DFIS in my portfolio?

EEM and DFIS 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, EEM or DFIS?

EEM has higher volatility (11.26%) compared to DFIS (5.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEM dropped -66.43% vs DFIS's -27.23%.

Which ETF is better, EEM or DFIS?

On 3-year performance, EEM leads with 22.37% vs 18.63% for DFIS. On fees, DFIS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DFIS has been the lower-risk option at 5.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEM or DFIS?

Over the 3-year period, EEM has performed better with a 22.37% return vs 18.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEM or DFIS?

DFIS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EEM or DFIS?

EEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.24%, compared with 2.01% for DFIS.

What is the main difference between EEM and DFIS?

EEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DFIS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for EEM and 0.39% for DFIS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.84), 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.