ISCF vs. DXIV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISCF (iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) and DXIV (Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. ISCF is passively managed, while DXIV is actively managed. Over the past year, ISCF returned 21.96% vs 29.75% for DXIV. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISCF charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DXIV.

Performance

ISCF vs. DXIV - 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 Vector Equity ETF (DXIV). 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 DXIV's 10.82% 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%

DXIV

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 2.94%
• YTD: 10.82%
• 6M: 14.26%
• 1Y: 29.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISCF vs. DXIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	7.28%	33.65%	-2.55%
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	10.82%	39.12%	-4.40%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCF and DXIV 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2024	0.94

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

ISCF vs. DXIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCF	DXIV
Industrials	23.3%	19.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	11.3%
Financial Services	12.3%	17.6%
Basic Materials	11.2%	12.6%
Technology	10.5%	7.3%
Real Estate	8.8%	1.6%
Healthcare	5.4%	6.6%
Energy	4.8%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	6.5%
Communication Services	3.8%	5.3%
Utilities	3.6%	2.5%

Return for Risk

ISCF vs. DXIV — 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

DXIV

DXIV Risk / Return Rank: 63
DXIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DXIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
DXIV Omega Ratio Rank: 66
DXIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
DXIV Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. DXIV - 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 Vector Equity ETF (DXIV). 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	DXIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	2.22	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	3.02	-0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.40	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	2.76	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.28	10.91	-3.64
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. DXIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCF Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is lower than the DXIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCF and DXIV, 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	DXIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	2.22	-0.68
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	1.66	-1.17

Drawdowns

ISCF vs. DXIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCF drawdown since its inception was -40.79%, which is greater than DXIV's maximum drawdown of -13.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCF and DXIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCF	DXIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.79%	-13.71%	-27.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.34%	-10.84%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.85%	—	—
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%	-1.35%	-1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.14%	-2.47%	-5.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	2.73%	+0.29%

Volatility

ISCF vs. DXIV - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) has a higher volatility of 4.33% compared to Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF (DXIV) at 3.89%. This indicates that ISCF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DXIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISCF	DXIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	3.89%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.86%	11.08%	+0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	13.50%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.66%	15.39%	+1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.44%	15.39%	+2.05%

ISCF vs. DXIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCF has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than DXIV's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISCF vs. DXIV - Dividend Comparison

ISCF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, more than DXIV's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DXIV Dimensional International Vector Equity ETF	2.29%	2.50%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	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 DXIV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, ISCF and DXIV 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 DXIV?

ISCF has higher volatility (4.33%) compared to DXIV (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCF dropped -40.79% vs DXIV's -13.71%.

Which ETF is better, ISCF or DXIV?

On 1-year performance, DXIV leads with 29.75% vs 21.96% for ISCF. On fees, DXIV is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, DXIV has been the lower-risk option at 3.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCF or DXIV?

Over the 1-year period, DXIV has performed better with a 29.75% return vs 21.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCF or DXIV?

DXIV is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for ISCF.

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

ISCF has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 2.29% for DXIV.

What is the main difference between ISCF and DXIV?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for ISCF and 0.30% for DXIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 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.