DFJ vs VOO
WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DFJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFJ offers more diversification with 794 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $382M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 804 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.60% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.27% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.47% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.09% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFJ vs VOO Performance
WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFJ returned +25.27% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, DFJ is up 16.60% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, DFJ compounded at +20.47% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.09% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.3% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -46.7% for DFJ and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFJ charges 0.58% per year while VOO 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, DFJ currently yields 2.65% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFJ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1299 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFJ or VOO?
DFJ has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFJ or VOO?
Over the past year DFJ returned +25.27% vs +23.01% for VOO, so DFJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DFJ annualized +4.79% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFJ or VOO?
DFJ has been the more volatile fund at 14.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFJ -46.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFJ and VOO?
DFJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFJ and VOO?
DFJ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1299 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFJ or VOO?
DFJ yields 2.65% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DFJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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