DLS vs VTI
WisdomTree International 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 | DLS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,014 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.38% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.07% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.73% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.39% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DLS vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Fund (DLS) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DLS returned +18.07% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, DLS is up 11.38% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, DLS compounded at +18.73% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.39% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +3.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -66.0% for DLS 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DLS 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, DLS currently yields 3.50% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DLS and VTI share 4 holdings out of 3718 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DLS or VTI?
DLS 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, DLS or VTI?
Over the past year DLS returned +18.07% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DLS annualized +3.99% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DLS or VTI?
DLS has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DLS -66.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DLS and VTI?
DLS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DLS and VTI?
DLS and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3718 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLS or VTI?
DLS yields 3.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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