DES vs VXUS
DES vs VXUS
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DES delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DES | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 530 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +24.05% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.95% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.73% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.46% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DES vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DES returned +32.95% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DES is up 24.05% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DES compounded at +13.73% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.46% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, DES has the edge at +5.34% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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
DES charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DES currently yields 2.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DES and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8366 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 VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTX:SG | 0.17% | 0.05% | 0.12% |
| UTG:LN | 0.18% | 0.01% | 0.17% |
| FBK | 0.12% | 0.03% | 0.09% |
| CASH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EML | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings DES shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DES or VXUS?
DES has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DES or VXUS?
Over the past year DES returned +32.95% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so DES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DES annualized +5.34% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DES or VXUS?
DES has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DES -68.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DES and VXUS?
DES and VXUS 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 DES and VXUS?
DES and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8366 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DES or VXUS?
DES yields 2.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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