ISVL vs. DISV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISVL (iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF) and DISV (Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISVL is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex US ex Korea Small Cap Focused Value Index, while DISV is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. ISVL is passively managed, while DISV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, ISVL returned 21.34%/yr vs 24.35%/yr for DISV. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ISVL charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.42%/yr for DISV.

Performance

ISVL vs. DISV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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, ISVL achieves a 8.45% return, which is significantly lower than DISV's 10.83% return.

ISVL

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 8.45%
• 6M: 12.58%
• 1Y: 28.37%
• 3Y*: 21.34%
• 5Y*: 10.07%
• 10Y*: —

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)

ISVL vs. DISV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	8.45%	42.84%	4.58%	17.56%	-9.08%
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	10.83%	47.42%	5.87%	19.52%	-9.72%

Correlation

The correlation between ISVL and DISV is 0.93, 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	0.93
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 ISVL and DISV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISVL vs. DISV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISVL	DISV
Industrials	23.3%	18.1%
Financial Services	20.8%	18.6%
Real Estate	11.1%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	15.3%
Basic Materials	9.1%	18.3%
Energy	7.3%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	4.3%
Technology	4.7%	4.1%
Healthcare	3.7%	3.0%
Communication Services	3.0%	3.4%
Utilities	1.5%	2.6%

Return for Risk

ISVL vs. DISV — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISVL

ISVL Risk / Return Rank: 54
ISVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ISVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ISVL Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ISVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
ISVL Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

ISVL vs. DISV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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.

	ISVL	DISV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.39	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	3.28	-0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.43	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	2.72	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.95	10.27	-1.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISVL vs. DISV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISVL Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the DISV Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISVL 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

	ISVL	DISV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	2.39	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.93	-0.23

Drawdowns

ISVL vs. DISV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISVL drawdown since its inception was -30.48%, which is greater than DISV's maximum drawdown of -26.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISVL and DISV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISVL	DISV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.48%	-26.77%	-3.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-12.69%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.93%	-14.15%	+1.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.16%	-2.48%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.66%	-4.90%	-1.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.18%	3.35%	-0.17%

Volatility

ISVL vs. DISV - Volatility Comparison

iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) has a higher volatility of 4.54% compared to Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) at 4.16%. This indicates that ISVL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DISV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISVL	DISV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.54%	4.16%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	11.69%	+0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.47%	14.45%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.90%	17.36%	-0.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.78%	17.36%	-0.58%

ISVL vs. DISV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISVL has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than DISV's 0.42% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISVL vs. DISV - Dividend Comparison

ISVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, more than DISV's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DISV Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF	2.39%	2.69%	2.77%	2.73%	1.23%	0.00%
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	2.48%	2.69%	3.92%	3.82%	3.37%	2.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISVL and DISV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ISVL 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, ISVL or DISV?

ISVL has higher volatility (4.54%) compared to DISV (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISVL dropped -30.48% vs DISV's -26.77%.

Which ETF is better, ISVL or DISV?

On 3-year performance, DISV leads with 24.35% vs 21.34% for ISVL. On fees, ISVL is cheaper at 0.30% 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, ISVL or DISV?

Over the 3-year period, DISV has performed better with a 24.35% return vs 21.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISVL or DISV?

ISVL is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for DISV.

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

ISVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 2.39% for DISV.

What is the main difference between ISVL and DISV?

ISVL is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while DISV is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for ISVL and 0.42% for DISV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.98), 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.