DGS vs VOO
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGS offers more diversification with 1,009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.93% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.52% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.25% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.58% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.59% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DGS vs VOO Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DGS returned +15.25% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, DGS is up 10.52% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, DGS compounded at +13.58% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.59% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +2.18%. 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 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 -61.9% for DGS 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGS 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, DGS currently yields 3.93% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DGS and VOO 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 VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAL | 0.05% | 0.09% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGS or VOO?
DGS 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, DGS or VOO?
Over the past year DGS returned +15.25% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DGS annualized +2.18% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGS or VOO?
DGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DGS -61.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DGS and VOO?
DGS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGS and VOO?
DGS and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1459 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGS or VOO?
DGS yields 3.93% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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