IJR vs. DFAS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. IJR is passively managed, while DFAS is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, IJR returned 14.39%/yr vs 15.22%/yr for DFAS. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IJR charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

IJR vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJR achieves a 15.38% return, which is significantly higher than DFAS's 12.81% return.

IJR

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 1.67%
• YTD: 15.38%
• 6M: 14.25%
• 1Y: 31.54%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: 5.64%
• 10Y*: 10.66%

DFAS

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 27.65%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IJR vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	15.38%	5.89%	8.63%	16.06%	-16.20%	1.60%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	12.81%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.94%

Correlation

The correlation between IJR and DFAS 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2021	0.99

The correlation between IJR and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

IJR vs. DFAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJR	DFAS
Financial Services	16.8%	19.5%
Industrials	15.5%	18.6%
Technology	15.5%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	11.9%
Healthcare	11.1%	11.0%
Real Estate	7.6%	0.2%
Energy	5.9%	6.7%
Basic Materials	5.1%	5.6%
Communication Services	3.6%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	4.3%
Utilities	2.0%	3.8%

Return for Risk

IJR vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJR

IJR Risk / Return Rank: 58
IJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
IJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
IJR Omega Ratio Rank: 49
IJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
IJR Martin Ratio Rank: 65

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

IJR vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). 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.

	IJR	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.66	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.46	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	2.97	+0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.14	10.17	+1.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IJR vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJR Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJR and DFAS, 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

	IJR	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.81	1.66	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.36	+0.07

Drawdowns

IJR vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJR drawdown since its inception was -58.15%, which is greater than DFAS's maximum drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJR and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJR	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.15%	-26.13%	-32.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.68%	-9.36%	+0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.02%	-26.13%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.36%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.81%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.28%	-8.31%	-0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	2.73%	-0.13%

Volatility

IJR vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) have volatilities of 4.45% and 4.31%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJR	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	4.31%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.65%	11.58%	+0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.54%	16.77%	+0.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.41%	20.84%	+0.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.91%	20.84%	+2.07%

IJR vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAS's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

IJR vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

IJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, more than DFAS's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.92%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF	1.15%	1.44%	2.05%	1.31%	1.41%	1.53%	1.11%	1.44%	1.58%	1.20%	1.22%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJR and DFAS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, IJR and DFAS 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, IJR or DFAS?

IJR has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to DFAS (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJR dropped -58.15% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, IJR or DFAS?

On 3-year performance, DFAS leads with 15.22% vs 14.39% for IJR. On fees, IJR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, DFAS has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJR or DFAS?

Over the 3-year period, DFAS has performed better with a 15.22% return vs 14.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJR or DFAS?

IJR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for DFAS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJR or DFAS?

IJR has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.92% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between IJR and DFAS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for IJR and 0.34% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.66), 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.