DES vs VTI
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DES delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DES | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 530 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +24.08% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.74% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.18% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.04% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DES vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DES returned +28.74% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, DES is up 24.08% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, DES compounded at +14.18% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.04% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% 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 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 -68.1% for DES 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DES charges 0.38% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DES and VTI share 390 holdings out of 2903 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, DES or VTI?
DES has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DES or VTI?
Over the past year DES returned +28.74% vs +22.19% for VTI, so DES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DES annualized +5.34% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DES or VTI?
DES has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DES -68.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DES and VTI?
DES and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DES and VTI?
DES and VTI share 390 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DES or VTI?
DES yields 2.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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