DEM vs VOO
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEM offers more diversification with 518 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 518 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +17.62% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.58% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.71% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DEM vs VOO Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund (DEM) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEM returned +23.58% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, DEM is up 17.62% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, DEM compounded at +17.71% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +1.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -57.0% for DEM and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEM charges 0.63% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $3 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEM currently yields 4.19% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DEM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1006 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEM or VOO?
DEM has an expense ratio of 0.63% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEM or VOO?
Over the past year DEM returned +23.58% vs +21.79% for VOO, so DEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DEM annualized +1.79% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEM or VOO?
DEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DEM -57.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DEM and VOO?
DEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEM and VOO?
DEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1006 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEM or VOO?
DEM yields 4.19% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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