DGRS vs VTI
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DGRS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGRS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $408M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 201 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.67% | +12.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.13% | +20.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.76% | +20.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.09% | +11.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 25, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
DGRS vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRS) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DGRS returned +20.13% while VTI returned +20.11%. Year to date, DGRS is up 19.67% versus a gain of 12.23% for VTI.
Over three years, DGRS compounded at +14.76% per year against +20.52% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.09% and +11.49% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, DGRS has the edge at +8.05% annualized vs +8.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DGRS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -45.7% for DGRS 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGRS charges 0.38% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRS currently yields 2.04% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DGRS and VTI share 158 holdings out of 2827 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, DGRS or VTI?
DGRS has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGRS or VTI?
Over the past year DGRS returned +20.13% vs +20.11% for VTI, so DGRS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DGRS annualized +8.05% vs +8.04% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGRS or VTI?
DGRS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DGRS -45.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DGRS and VTI?
DGRS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGRS and VTI?
DGRS and VTI share 158 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2827 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGRS or VTI?
DGRS yields 2.04% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DGRS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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