DGS vs IVV
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGS offers more diversification with 1,009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.93% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +11.77% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.30% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.00% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.05% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
DGS vs IVV Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DGS returned +17.30% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, DGS is up 11.77% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, DGS compounded at +14.00% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.05% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +2.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -61.9% for DGS and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGS charges 0.58% per year while IVV 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, DGS currently yields 3.93% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DGS and IVV share 1 holdings out of 1459 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DGS | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAL | 0.05% | 0.09% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGS or IVV?
DGS has an expense ratio of 0.58% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGS or IVV?
Over the past year DGS returned +17.30% vs +21.62% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DGS annualized +2.24% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGS or IVV?
DGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: DGS -61.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGS and IVV?
DGS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGS and IVV?
DGS and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1459 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGS or IVV?
DGS yields 3.93% while IVV yields 1.10%, so DGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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