QUSIX vs. DFIS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QUSIX (Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund) and DFIS (Dimensional International Small Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 3 years, QUSIX returned 12.54%/yr vs 18.54%/yr for DFIS. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QUSIX charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for DFIS.

Performance

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX) and Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QUSIX achieves a 2.57% return, which is significantly lower than DFIS's 6.57% return.

QUSIX

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 2.57%
• 6M: 3.19%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: 12.54%
• 5Y*: 4.80%
• 10Y*: 8.27%

DFIS

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: -3.36%
• YTD: 6.57%
• 6M: 6.41%
• 1Y: 23.05%
• 3Y*: 18.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
QUSIX Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund	2.57%	26.42%	-1.98%	21.28%	-12.05%
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	6.57%	37.49%	3.80%	15.19%	-12.50%

Correlation

The correlation between QUSIX and DFIS is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2022	0.69

The correlation between QUSIX and DFIS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QUSIX vs. DFIS — Risk / Return Rank

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

QUSIX

QUSIX Risk / Return Rank: 9
QUSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
QUSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
QUSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
QUSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
QUSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

DFIS

DFIS Risk / Return Rank: 44
DFIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DFIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DFIS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
DFIS 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.

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX) and Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS). 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.

	QUSIX	DFIS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	1.52	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.19	2.12	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.27	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	1.86	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.12	7.04	-4.92

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QUSIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is lower than the DFIS Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QUSIX and DFIS, 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

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QUSIX drawdown since its inception was -42.87%, which is greater than DFIS's maximum drawdown of -27.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QUSIX and DFIS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QUSIX	DFIS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.87%	-27.23%	-15.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.09%	-12.44%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.33%	-13.55%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.21%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.34%	-5.20%	-1.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-6.13%	-2.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.49%	3.28%	+1.21%

Volatility

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund (QUSIX) is 3.52%, while Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) has a volatility of 5.72%. This indicates that QUSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QUSIX	DFIS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	5.72%	-2.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.50%	13.05%	-2.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.86%	15.28%	-2.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.39%	17.39%	-3.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.32%	17.39%	-3.07%

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QUSIX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIS's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

QUSIX vs. DFIS - Dividend Comparison

QUSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, more than DFIS's 2.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIS Dimensional International Small Cap ETF	2.09%	2.23%	2.19%	2.36%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QUSIX Pear Tree Polaris Foreign Value Small Cap Fund	2.85%	2.92%	3.28%	2.48%	4.90%	2.43%	3.89%	2.96%	5.09%	3.00%	2.06%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QUSIX and DFIS in my portfolio?

QUSIX and DFIS have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QUSIX or DFIS?

DFIS has higher volatility (5.72%) compared to QUSIX (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QUSIX dropped -42.87% vs DFIS's -27.23%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 0.75), 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.