DGRS vs VYM
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DGRS or VYM?
Small Cap Value against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DGRS led over 1Y, VYM over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. DGRS is less concentrated, with 18.6% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGRS | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $401M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 201 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +16.01%Best | +10.96% |
| 1Y Return | +15.92%Best | +15.42% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.63% | +17.78%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.39% | +12.05%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 13.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,960 | $17,663Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 18.6%Best | 26.1% |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 25, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 25, 2013 to Sep 22, 2026 (13.2 years).
DGRS vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 13.2 years both funds cover.
DGRS vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRS) is an ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DGRS returned +15.92% while VYM returned +15.42%. Year to date, DGRS is up 16.01% versus a gain of 10.96% for VYM.
Over three years, DGRS compounded at +14.63% per year against +17.78% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.39% and +12.05% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.12% annualized vs +7.76%.
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 13.4% for VYM. 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 -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGRS charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRS currently yields 2.07% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
52.6% of DGRS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.7% of VYM's money is in holdings DGRS also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
49 positions in common, counted across the 198 positions we hold weights for in DGRS and 557 in VYM, against full books of 201 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 481 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for DGRS (96.4% of the fund), and 147 for DGRS that do not appear in VYM (46.5%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DGRS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCTRVictory Receivables Corp | 2.57% | 0.02% | 2.55% |
| AVTAvnet Inc | 2.43% | 0.03% | 2.40% |
| AROCArchrock, Inc. | 2.26% | 0.02% | 2.24% |
| CRCCalifornia Resources Corp Common Stock | 1.77% | 0.02% | 1.75% |
| CNSCohen & Steers Inc | 1.72% | 0.01% | 1.71% |
| CALMCal-maine Foods Inc | 1.67% | 0.02% | 1.65% |
| MGYMagnolia Oil & Gas Corp | 1.52% | 0.02% | 1.50% |
| KFYKorn Ferry | 1.49% | 0.02% | 1.47% |
| NOGNorthern Oil And Gas Inc | 1.47% | 0.01% | 1.46% |
| CBTCabot Corp | 1.45% | 0.02% | 1.43% |
52.6% of DGRS is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGRS or VYM?
DGRS has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $34 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DGRS or VYM?
Over the past year DGRS returned +15.92% vs +15.42% for VYM, so DGRS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DGRS annualized +7.76% vs +9.12% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DGRS or VYM?
DGRS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 13.4% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DGRS -45.7% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both DGRS and VYM?
DGRS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between DGRS and VYM?
52.6% of DGRS's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 0.7% of VYM's is in holdings DGRS also owns. They hold 49 positions in common, counted across the 198 positions we hold weights for in DGRS and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGRS or VYM?
DGRS yields 2.07% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DGRS?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DGRS led over 1Y, VYM over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. DGRS is less concentrated, with 18.6% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.