DEM vs VTI
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 518 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.52% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.92% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.92% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
DEM vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund (DEM) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEM returned +23.92% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, DEM is up 17.52% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, DEM compounded at +17.92% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.46% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +1.78%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEM charges 0.63% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DEM and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3287 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DEM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRM | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEM or VTI?
DEM has an expense ratio of 0.63% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEM or VTI?
Over the past year DEM returned +23.92% vs +21.39% for VTI, so DEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DEM annualized +1.78% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEM or VTI?
DEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DEM -57.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DEM and VTI?
DEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEM and VTI?
DEM and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3287 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEM or VTI?
DEM yields 4.19% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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