JAPN vs. DXJS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JAPN (Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF) and DXJS (WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund) are both Japan Equities funds. JAPN is actively managed, while DXJS is passively managed. Over the past year, JAPN returned -17.38% vs 60.13% for DXJS. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JAPN charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DXJS.

Performance

JAPN vs. DXJS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) and WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund (DXJS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JAPN achieves a -12.32% return, which is significantly lower than DXJS's 23.30% return.

JAPN

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: -12.32%
• 6M: -10.76%
• 1Y: -17.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DXJS

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -1.82%
• YTD: 23.30%
• 6M: 24.48%
• 1Y: 60.13%
• 3Y*: 33.69%
• 5Y*: 24.61%
• 10Y*: 16.84%

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

JAPN vs. DXJS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JAPN Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF	-12.32%	3.10%
DXJS WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund	23.30%	31.53%

Correlation

The correlation between JAPN and DXJS is 0.50, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2025	0.49

The correlation between JAPN and DXJS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JAPN vs. DXJS — Risk / Return Rank

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

JAPN

JAPN Risk / Return Rank: 2
JAPN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
JAPN Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
JAPN Omega Ratio Rank: 2
JAPN Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
JAPN Martin Ratio Rank: 2

DXJS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

JAPN vs. DXJS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) and WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund (DXJS). 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.

	JAPN	DXJS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.90	3.08	-3.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.21	4.03	-5.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.51	-0.65
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.73	6.24	-6.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.30	22.10	-23.40

JAPN vs. DXJS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JAPN Sharpe Ratio is -0.90, which is lower than the DXJS Sharpe Ratio of 3.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JAPN and DXJS, 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

JAPN vs. DXJS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JAPN drawdown since its inception was -23.94%, smaller than the maximum DXJS drawdown of -39.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JAPN and DXJS.

Drawdown Indicators

	JAPN	DXJS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.94%	-39.30%	+15.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.94%	-9.82%	-14.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.49%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.49%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.00%	-6.44%	-15.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.98%	-6.49%	-3.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.44%	2.77%	+10.67%

Volatility

JAPN vs. DXJS - Volatility Comparison

Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) has a higher volatility of 6.41% compared to WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund (DXJS) at 5.19%. This indicates that JAPN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DXJS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JAPN	DXJS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	5.19%	+1.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.06%	15.69%	+0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.43%	19.86%	-0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.51%	18.08%	+1.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.51%	19.72%	-0.21%

JAPN vs. DXJS - Expense Ratio Comparison

JAPN has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than DXJS's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

JAPN vs. DXJS - Dividend Comparison

JAPN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, while DXJS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DXJS WisdomTree Japan Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund	1.54%	1.78%	4.02%	2.71%	2.63%	2.96%	3.04%	2.17%	2.06%	1.53%	1.66%	3.61%
JAPN Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF	0.27%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JAPN and DXJS in my portfolio?

JAPN and DXJS have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JAPN or DXJS?

JAPN has higher volatility (6.41%) compared to DXJS (5.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JAPN dropped -23.94% vs DXJS's -39.30%.

Which ETF is better, JAPN or DXJS?

On 1-year performance, DXJS leads with 60.13% vs -17.38% for JAPN. On fees, DXJS is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, DXJS has been the lower-risk option at 5.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JAPN or DXJS?

Over the 1-year period, DXJS has performed better with a 60.13% return vs -17.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JAPN or DXJS?

DXJS is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for JAPN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JAPN or DXJS?

DXJS has the higher dividend yield at 1.54%, compared with 0.27% for JAPN.

What is the main difference between JAPN and DXJS?

They also come from different issuers: Horizon and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for JAPN and 0.58% for DXJS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXJS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.08 vs -0.90), 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.