DFJ vs VTI
WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $382M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 804 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.60% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.27% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.47% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.09% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DFJ vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFJ returned +25.27% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, DFJ is up 16.60% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, DFJ compounded at +20.47% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.09% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.3% for DFJ. 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 -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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFJ 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, DFJ currently yields 2.65% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFJ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3577 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 VTI?
DFJ 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, DFJ or VTI?
Over the past year DFJ returned +25.27% vs +23.62% for VTI, so DFJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DFJ annualized +4.79% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFJ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.3% for DFJ. Worst drawdown: DFJ -46.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFJ and VTI?
DFJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFJ and VTI?
DFJ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFJ or VTI?
DFJ yields 2.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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