ISCF vs. DISV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISCF (iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. ISCF is passively managed, while DISV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, ISCF returned 17.40%/yr vs 24.35%/yr for DISV. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISCF charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

ISCF vs. DISV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISCF achieves a 7.28% return, which is significantly lower than DISV's 10.83% return.

ISCF

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 7.28%
• 6M: 10.16%
• 1Y: 21.96%
• 3Y*: 17.40%
• 5Y*: 7.26%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

DISV

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.34%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 15.28%
• 1Y: 34.34%
• 3Y*: 24.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISCF vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	7.28%	33.65%	4.75%	11.50%	-10.89%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	10.83%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.72%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCF and DISV is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2022	0.95

The correlation between ISCF and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCF vs. DISV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCF	DISV
Industrials	23.3%	18.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	15.3%
Financial Services	12.3%	18.6%
Basic Materials	11.2%	18.3%
Technology	10.5%	4.1%
Real Estate	8.8%	3.2%
Healthcare	5.4%	3.0%
Energy	4.8%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	4.3%
Communication Services	3.8%	3.4%
Utilities	3.6%	2.6%

Return for Risk

ISCF vs. DISV — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCF

ISCF Risk / Return Rank: 42
ISCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ISCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
ISCF Omega Ratio Rank: 42
ISCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ISCF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

DISV

DISV Risk / Return Rank: 65
DISV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DISV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DISV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
DISV Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DISV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

ISCF vs. DISV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV). 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.

	ISCF	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	2.39	-0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	3.28	-1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.43	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	2.72	-0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.28	10.27	-2.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISCF vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCF Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is lower than the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCF and DISV, 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

	ISCF	DISV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	2.39	-0.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.93	-0.44

Drawdowns

ISCF vs. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCF drawdown since its inception was -40.79%, which is greater than DISV's maximum drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCF and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCF	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.79%	-26.77%	-14.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.34%	-12.69%	+1.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.85%	-14.15%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.70%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.64%	-2.48%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.14%	-4.90%	-3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	3.35%	-0.33%

Volatility

ISCF vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) and Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) have volatilities of 4.33% and 4.16%, 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

	ISCF	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	4.16%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.86%	11.69%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	14.45%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.66%	17.36%	-0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.44%	17.36%	+0.08%

ISCF vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCF has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISCF vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

ISCF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, more than DISV's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.39%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	3.50%	3.76%	4.29%	3.94%	2.73%	3.93%	2.30%	2.87%	2.14%	1.97%	2.89%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCF and DISV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, ISCF and DISV 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, ISCF or DISV?

ISCF has higher volatility (4.33%) compared to DISV (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCF dropped -40.79% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which ETF is better, ISCF or DISV?

On 3-year performance, DISV leads with 24.35% vs 17.40% for ISCF. On fees, ISCF is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, DISV has been the lower-risk option at 4.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCF or DISV?

Over the 3-year period, DISV has performed better with a 24.35% return vs 17.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCF or DISV?

ISCF is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ISCF or DISV?

ISCF has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 2.39% for DISV.

What is the main difference between ISCF and DISV?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for ISCF and 0.42% for DISV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.54), 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.