PDN vs. DLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PDN (Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF) and DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - PDN tracks the FTSE RAFI Developed x US Mid/Small while DLS tracks the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PDN returned 8.41%/yr vs 7.46%/yr for DLS. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PDN charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DLS.

Performance

PDN vs. DLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF (PDN) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PDN achieves a 10.22% return, which is significantly higher than DLS's 6.63% return. Over the past 10 years, PDN has outperformed DLS with an annualized return of 8.41%, while DLS has yielded a comparatively lower 7.46% annualized return.

PDN

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 10.22%
• 6M: 12.61%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 18.02%
• 5Y*: 6.42%
• 10Y*: 8.41%

DLS

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 6.63%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 22.56%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: 7.46%

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

PDN vs. DLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PDN Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF	10.22%	38.34%	0.57%	13.35%	-17.35%	9.03%	10.65%	19.17%	-18.38%	30.74%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	6.63%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	22.20%	-18.95%	31.83%

Correlation

The correlation between PDN and DLS 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2007	0.88

The correlation between PDN and DLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

PDN vs. DLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PDN	DLS
Industrials	22.4%	27.8%
Financial Services	11.4%	13.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	12.8%
Technology	10.3%	8.4%
Basic Materials	10.0%	8.9%
Real Estate	8.6%	7.8%
Healthcare	5.4%	3.7%
Energy	5.1%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	7.9%
Communication Services	3.3%	4.4%
Utilities	2.4%	2.1%

Return for Risk

PDN vs. DLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

PDN

PDN Risk / Return Rank: 55
PDN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
PDN Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
PDN Omega Ratio Rank: 56
PDN Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
PDN Martin Ratio Rank: 56

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

PDN vs. DLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF (PDN) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS). 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.

	PDN	DLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	1.69	+0.21
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	2.41	+0.27
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	2.05	+0.42
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.64	7.55	+2.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PDN vs. DLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PDN Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the DLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PDN and DLS, 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

	PDN	DLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.91	1.69	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	0.42	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.45	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.33	-0.06

Drawdowns

PDN vs. DLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PDN drawdown since its inception was -59.32%, smaller than the maximum DLS drawdown of -63.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PDN and DLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	PDN	DLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.32%	-63.13%	+3.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.26%	-11.04%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.25%	-12.69%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.68%	-32.22%	-1.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.94%	-44.77%	+2.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.62%	-3.20%	+0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.59%	-13.65%	+2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	2.99%	-0.11%

Volatility

PDN vs. DLS - Volatility Comparison

Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF (PDN) and WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) have volatilities of 4.74% and 4.58%, 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

	PDN	DLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	4.58%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.11%	10.98%	+1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.61%	13.44%	+1.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.34%	15.57%	+0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.06%	16.67%	+0.39%

PDN vs. DLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

PDN has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than DLS's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

PDN vs. DLS - Dividend Comparison

PDN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, less than DLS's 3.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.50%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%
PDN Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Small-Mid ETF	3.08%	3.36%	3.36%	3.16%	2.68%	2.42%	1.79%	2.60%	2.21%	2.42%	2.16%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PDN and DLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, PDN and DLS 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, PDN or DLS?

PDN has higher volatility (4.74%) compared to DLS (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PDN dropped -59.32% vs DLS's -63.13%.

Which ETF is better, PDN or DLS?

On 10-year performance, PDN leads with 8.41% vs 7.46% for DLS. On fees, PDN is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, DLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PDN or DLS?

Over the 10-year period, PDN has performed better with a 8.41% return vs 7.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PDN or DLS?

PDN is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PDN or DLS?

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 3.08% for PDN.

What is the main difference between PDN and DLS?

PDN tracks FTSE RAFI Developed x US Mid/Small, while DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for PDN and 0.58% for DLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PDN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.69), 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.