DFIS vs IVV
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. DFIS delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFIS offers more diversification with 3438 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFIS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3,519 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.07% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.99% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.54% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
DFIS vs IVV Performance
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) is a ETF from Dimensional and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFIS returned +22.99% while IVV returned +22.61%. Year to date, DFIS is up 12.07% versus a gain of 13.43% for IVV.
Over three years, DFIS compounded at +19.54% per year against +21.47% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFIS has the edge at +11.56% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -27.2% for DFIS and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIS charges 0.39% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFIS currently yields 2.04% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DFIS and IVV share 5 holdings out of 3938 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFIS or IVV?
DFIS has an expense ratio of 0.39% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFIS or IVV?
Over the past year DFIS returned +22.99% vs +22.61% for IVV, so DFIS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFIS annualized +11.56% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFIS or IVV?
DFIS has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: DFIS -27.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFIS and IVV?
DFIS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFIS and IVV?
DFIS and IVV share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3938 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFIS or IVV?
DFIS yields 2.04% while IVV yields 1.09%, so DFIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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