DGS vs VTI
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, DGS or VTI?
Small Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | DGS | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.7B | $690.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.74% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 1,030 | 3,524 |
| YTD Return | +11.31% | +12.51%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.40% | +15.23%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.57% | +22.50%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.17% | +12.31%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 16.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -56.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,137 | $17,869Best |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 30, 2007 to Oct 1, 2026 (18.9 years).
DGS vs VTI 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 18.9 years both funds cover.
DGS vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) is an ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DGS returned +13.40% while VTI returned +15.23%. Year to date, DGS is up 11.31% versus a gain of 12.51% for VTI.
Over three years, DGS compounded at +14.57% per year against +22.50% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.17% and +12.31% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +9.26% annualized vs +2.21%.
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 16.1% 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 -61.9% for DGS and -56.2% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGS 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, DGS currently yields 3.74% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in DGS and 3,463 in VTI, totalling 0.1% and 98.1% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 46 days apart, DGS as of Sep 15, 2026 and VTI as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in DGS and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 1,030 and 3,524.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DGS and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGS or VTI?
DGS has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $55 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DGS or VTI?
Over the past year DGS returned +13.40% vs +15.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DGS annualized +2.21% vs +9.26% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DGS or VTI?
DGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 16.1% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DGS -61.9% vs VTI -56.2%.
Should I hold both DGS and VTI?
DGS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGS or VTI?
DGS yields 3.74% while VTI yields 1.03%, so DGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than DGS?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.