DLN vs VTI
WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DLN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 307 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.20% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.87% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.07% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.49% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DLN vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DLN returned +20.87% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, DLN is up 15.20% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, DLN compounded at +19.07% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.49% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, DLN has the edge at +9.93% annualized vs +8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% for DLN. 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 -57.8% for DLN 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DLN charges 0.28% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $3 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DLN currently yields 1.75% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DLN and VTI share 290 holdings out of 2807 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DLN or VTI?
DLN has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DLN or VTI?
Over the past year DLN returned +20.87% vs +20.82% for VTI, so DLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DLN annualized +9.93% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DLN or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for DLN. Worst drawdown: DLN -57.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DLN and VTI?
DLN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DLN and VTI?
DLN and VTI share 290 common holdings with a 52.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLN or VTI?
DLN yields 1.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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