DGS vs VTI
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.93% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.02% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.54% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.02% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
DGS vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DGS returned +17.54% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, DGS is up 12.02% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, DGS compounded at +14.02% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.58% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +2.26%. 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 15.4% 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 -56.6% 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 0.77. 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 3.93% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DGS and VTI share 3 holdings out of 3739 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGS or VTI?
Over the past year DGS returned +17.54% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DGS annualized +2.26% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGS or VTI?
DGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DGS -61.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DGS and VTI?
DGS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGS and VTI?
DGS and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3739 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGS or VTI?
DGS yields 3.93% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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