DFE vs VTI
WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $169M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.95% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 381 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.75% | +14.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.61% | +22.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.90% | +22.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.96% | +12.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DFE vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFE returned +14.61% while VTI returned +22.11%. Year to date, DFE is up 9.75% versus a gain of 14.31% for VTI.
Over three years, DFE compounded at +16.90% per year against +22.37% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.96% and +12.40% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +3.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -74.3% for DFE 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFE charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFE currently yields 3.95% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFE or VTI?
DFE has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFE or VTI?
Over the past year DFE returned +14.61% vs +22.11% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DFE annualized +3.33% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFE or VTI?
DFE has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DFE -74.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFE and VTI?
DFE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFE and VTI?
DFE and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3153 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFE or VTI?
DFE yields 3.95% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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