DEW vs VXUS
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $163M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.14% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 690 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.15% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.73% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.82% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.17% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DEW vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEW returned +24.73% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, DEW is up 18.15% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, DEW compounded at +19.82% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.17% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs +2.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -69.2% for DEW 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEW charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEW currently yields 3.14% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DEW and VXUS share 369 holdings out of 8182 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEW or VXUS?
DEW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEW or VXUS?
Over the past year DEW returned +24.73% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DEW annualized +2.89% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEW or VXUS?
DEW has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DEW -69.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DEW and VXUS?
DEW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DEW and VXUS?
DEW and VXUS share 369 common holdings with a 14.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8182 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEW or VXUS?
DEW yields 3.14% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so DEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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