DES vs VOO
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DES delivered stronger 1-year returns. DES offers more diversification with 510 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DES | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 530 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +24.05% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.95% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.73% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.46% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DES vs VOO Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DES returned +32.95% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DES is up 24.05% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, DES compounded at +13.73% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.46% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 14.1% 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 -68.1% for DES 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DES charges 0.38% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DES currently yields 2.26% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DES and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1014 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DES | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSX | 0.14% | 0.11% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DES or VOO?
DES has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DES or VOO?
Over the past year DES returned +32.95% vs +23.71% for VOO, so DES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DES annualized +5.34% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DES or VOO?
DES has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DES -68.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DES and VOO?
DES and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DES and VOO?
DES and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1014 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DES or VOO?
DES yields 2.26% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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