DEW vs VTI
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DEW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $150M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.29% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 690 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.28% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.77% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.52% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DEW vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEW returned +27.77% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DEW is up 18.28% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, DEW compounded at +19.52% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +2.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -69.2% for DEW 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEW charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEW currently yields 3.29% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DEW and VTI share 183 holdings out of 3276 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEW or VTI?
DEW has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEW or VTI?
Over the past year DEW returned +27.77% vs +23.31% for VTI, so DEW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DEW annualized +2.90% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEW or VTI?
DEW has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DEW -69.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DEW and VTI?
DEW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEW and VTI?
DEW and VTI share 183 common holdings with a 9.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3276 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEW or VTI?
DEW yields 3.29% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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