JPXN vs. DFJ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

JPXN (iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF) and DFJ (WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Japan Equities funds - JPXN tracks the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 while DFJ tracks the WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, JPXN returned 9.33%/yr vs 9.39%/yr for DFJ. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JPXN charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DFJ.

Performance

JPXN vs. DFJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (JPXN) and WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JPXN achieves a 14.58% return, which is significantly higher than DFJ's 10.99% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with JPXN having a 9.33% annualized return and DFJ not far ahead at 9.39%.

JPXN

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 6M: 14.15%
• 1Y: 30.40%
• 3Y*: 17.85%
• 5Y*: 8.74%
• 10Y*: 9.33%

DFJ

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 10.99%
• 6M: 11.18%
• 1Y: 29.58%
• 3Y*: 20.08%
• 5Y*: 10.04%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

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

JPXN vs. DFJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JPXN iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF	14.58%	26.03%	6.48%	19.69%	-16.29%	0.16%	15.12%	19.40%	-14.87%	24.41%
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund	10.99%	31.90%	2.80%	21.81%	-9.00%	0.38%	1.29%	16.98%	-18.53%	32.14%

Correlation

The correlation between JPXN and DFJ is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.83

The correlation between JPXN and DFJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

JPXN vs. DFJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JPXN	DFJ
Industrials	25.4%	27.1%
Technology	20.9%	13.0%
Financial Services	16.6%	13.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	15.0%
Communication Services	7.3%	1.4%
Healthcare	6.1%	3.7%
Basic Materials	4.3%	13.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	6.3%
Real Estate	2.2%	2.7%
Utilities	1.4%	1.5%
Energy	1.1%	0.6%

Return for Risk

JPXN vs. DFJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

JPXN

JPXN Risk / Return Rank: 51
JPXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
JPXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
JPXN Omega Ratio Rank: 51
JPXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
JPXN Martin Ratio Rank: 51

DFJ

DFJ Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
DFJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFJ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DFJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DFJ Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

JPXN vs. DFJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (JPXN) and WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ). 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.

	JPXN	DFJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.76	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.46	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.28	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.01	6.34	+1.67

JPXN vs. DFJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JPXN Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is comparable to the DFJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JPXN and DFJ, 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

JPXN vs. DFJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JPXN drawdown since its inception was -55.54%, which is greater than DFJ's maximum drawdown of -46.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JPXN and DFJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	JPXN	DFJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.54%	-46.00%	-9.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-13.03%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.95%	-13.03%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.21%	-29.71%	-3.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.21%	-40.02%	+6.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.63%	-5.27%	+1.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.03%	-11.14%	-3.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	4.68%	-0.87%

Volatility

JPXN vs. DFJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (JPXN) has a higher volatility of 6.89% compared to WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) at 5.42%. This indicates that JPXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JPXN	DFJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.89%	5.42%	+1.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.85%	13.93%	+1.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.63%	16.85%	+2.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.88%	15.96%	+1.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.04%	16.93%	+0.11%

JPXN vs. DFJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

JPXN has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than DFJ's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

JPXN vs. DFJ - Dividend Comparison

JPXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, more than DFJ's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.39%	2.68%	2.46%	2.43%	2.62%	2.07%	2.59%	2.24%	1.89%	1.60%	1.76%	1.23%
JPXN iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF	2.79%	3.14%	2.29%	2.57%	1.47%	2.63%	1.27%	1.92%	1.60%	1.50%	2.07%	1.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JPXN and DFJ in my portfolio?

JPXN and DFJ have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JPXN or DFJ?

JPXN has higher volatility (6.89%) compared to DFJ (5.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JPXN dropped -55.54% vs DFJ's -46.00%.

Which ETF is better, JPXN or DFJ?

On 10-year performance, DFJ leads with 9.39% vs 9.33% for JPXN. On fees, JPXN is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, DFJ has been the lower-risk option at 5.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JPXN or DFJ?

Over the 10-year period, DFJ has performed better with a 9.39% return vs 9.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JPXN or DFJ?

JPXN is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DFJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JPXN or DFJ?

JPXN has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 2.39% for DFJ.

What is the main difference between JPXN and DFJ?

JPXN tracks JPX-Nikkei Index 400, while DFJ tracks WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for JPXN and 0.58% for DFJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.56), 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.