DFAS vs IWM
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF vs iShares Russell 2000 ETF
Which is better, DFAS or IWM?
Nearly the same fund. IWM costs less.
IWM has a lower expense ratio. DFAS led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, IWM over 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAS | IWM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.19%Best |
| AUM | $34.2B | $76.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 0.98% |
| Holdings | 2,060 | 1,972 |
| YTD Return | +10.62%Best | +9.82% |
| 1Y Return | +14.08%Best | +10.58% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.46% | +17.51%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.05%Best | +5.03% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9%Best | 20.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1%Best | -31.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,058Best | $12,781 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 15, 1998 | May 22, 2000 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 14, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.3 years).
DFAS vs IWM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.3 years both funds cover.
DFAS vs IWM Performance
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF (DFAS) is an ETF from Dimensional and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFAS returned +14.08% while IWM returned +10.58%. Year to date, DFAS is up 10.62% versus a gain of 9.82% for IWM.
Over three years, DFAS compounded at +15.46% per year against +17.51% for IWM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.05% and +5.03% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 18.9% for DFAS. 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 -26.1% for DFAS and -31.9% for IWM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAS charges 0.27% per year while IWM charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $19 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAS currently yields 1.04% against 0.98% for IWM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,552 holdings in DFAS and 1,973 in IWM, totalling 93.8% and 99.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1,552 positions we hold weights for in DFAS and 1,973 in IWM, against full books of 2,060 and 1,972.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAS and IWM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAS or IWM?
DFAS has an expense ratio of 0.27% while IWM charges 0.19%. IWM is the cheaper option, by $8 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAS or IWM?
Over the past year DFAS returned +14.08% vs +10.58% for IWM, so DFAS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAS or IWM?
IWM has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 18.9% for DFAS. Worst drawdown: DFAS -26.1% vs IWM -31.9%.
Should I hold both DFAS and IWM?
DFAS and IWM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAS or IWM?
DFAS yields 1.04% while IWM yields 0.98%, so DFAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IWM better than DFAS?
IWM has a lower expense ratio. DFAS led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, IWM over 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.