VTI vs WDGF
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs WisdomTree Global Defense Fund 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 | VTI | WDGF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.05% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 113 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | +10.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.43% | +13.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.34% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -18.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Sep 12, 2025 |
VTI vs WDGF Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF (WDGF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% while WDGF returned +13.11%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.82% versus a gain of 10.67% for WDGF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.6% for VTI and -18.0% for WDGF. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while WDGF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.05% for WDGF.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and WDGF share 38 holdings out of 2851 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or WDGF?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WDGF charges 0.45%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or WDGF?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% vs +13.11% for WDGF, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and WDGF?
VTI and WDGF share 38 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2851 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or WDGF?
VTI yields 1.07% while WDGF yields 0.05%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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