IQSI vs. DFSI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IQSI (IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF) and DFSI (Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. IQSI is passively managed, while DFSI is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, IQSI returned 15.34%/yr vs 16.74%/yr for DFSI. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IQSI charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DFSI.

Performance

IQSI vs. DFSI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) and Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQSI achieves a 8.74% return, which is significantly higher than DFSI's 4.33% return.

IQSI

• 1D: -2.08%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 8.74%
• 6M: 8.46%
• 1Y: 19.87%
• 3Y*: 15.34%
• 5Y*: 7.76%
• 10Y*: —

DFSI

• 1D: -2.97%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: 4.33%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: 17.86%
• 3Y*: 16.74%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IQSI vs. DFSI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IQSI IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF	8.74%	26.95%	4.84%	16.21%	10.51%
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	4.33%	33.62%	4.98%	17.86%	10.47%

Correlation

The correlation between IQSI and DFSI is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2022	0.96

The correlation between IQSI and DFSI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQSI vs. DFSI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQSI	DFSI
Financial Services	21.3%	24.2%
Industrials	17.1%	21.7%
Technology	17.1%	10.5%
Healthcare	13.0%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	5.2%
Basic Materials	5.7%	7.4%
Communication Services	4.6%	5.2%
Utilities	3.8%	3.1%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.9%
Energy	0.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

IQSI vs. DFSI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQSI

IQSI Risk / Return Rank: 37
IQSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
IQSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
IQSI Omega Ratio Rank: 37
IQSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
IQSI Martin Ratio Rank: 40

DFSI

DFSI Risk / Return Rank: 34
DFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
DFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
DFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 34
DFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
DFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

IQSI vs. DFSI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) and Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI). 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.

	IQSI	DFSI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.15	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	1.70	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.22	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	1.46	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.09	5.45	+0.64

IQSI vs. DFSI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the DFSI Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQSI and DFSI, 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

IQSI vs. DFSI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQSI drawdown since its inception was -31.90%, which is greater than DFSI's maximum drawdown of -12.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQSI and DFSI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQSI	DFSI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.90%	-12.82%	-19.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.00%	-12.26%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.02%	-12.82%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.08%	-4.26%	+2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.46%	-2.62%	-3.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	3.28%	-0.01%

Volatility

IQSI vs. DFSI - Volatility Comparison

IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) and Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) have volatilities of 5.25% and 5.34%, 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

	IQSI	DFSI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.25%	5.34%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.33%	13.46%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.70%	15.57%	+0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.41%	15.37%	+1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.02%	15.37%	+3.65%

IQSI vs. DFSI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQSI has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than DFSI's 0.24% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IQSI vs. DFSI - Dividend Comparison

IQSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, more than DFSI's 2.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFSI Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF	2.17%	2.23%	2.39%	2.10%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%
IQSI IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF	2.75%	2.75%	2.79%	2.98%	2.89%	2.75%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQSI and DFSI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, IQSI and DFSI 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, IQSI or DFSI?

DFSI has higher volatility (5.34%) compared to IQSI (5.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQSI dropped -31.90% vs DFSI's -12.82%.

Which ETF is better, IQSI or DFSI?

On 3-year performance, DFSI leads with 16.74% vs 15.34% for IQSI. On fees, IQSI is cheaper at 0.15% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQSI or DFSI?

Over the 3-year period, DFSI has performed better with a 16.74% return vs 15.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQSI or DFSI?

IQSI is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for DFSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQSI or DFSI?

IQSI has the higher dividend yield at 2.75%, compared with 2.17% for DFSI.

What is the main difference between IQSI and DFSI?

They also come from different issuers: New York Life and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IQSI and 0.24% for DFSI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 1.15), 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.