DON vs VTI
WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DON | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.30% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.28% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.08% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.97% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
DON vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend Fund (DON) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DON returned +18.28% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DON is up 13.30% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, DON compounded at +13.08% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.97% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DON has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% compared with 15.3% 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 -64.4% for DON 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DON charges 0.38% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DON currently yields 2.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DON and VTI share 201 holdings out of 2868 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DON or VTI?
DON has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DON or VTI?
Over the past year DON returned +18.28% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DON annualized +7.10% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DON or VTI?
DON has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DON -64.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DON and VTI?
DON and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 DON and VTI?
DON and VTI share 201 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2868 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DON or VTI?
DON yields 2.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DON currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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