DES vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DES is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend (TR), while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DES returned 8.17%/yr vs 9.86%/yr for VXUS. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DES charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

DES vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DES achieves a 16.63% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 15.39% return. Over the past 10 years, DES has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 8.17%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 9.86% annualized return.

DES

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 16.63%
• 6M: 17.07%
• 1Y: 28.87%
• 3Y*: 14.65%
• 5Y*: 6.21%
• 10Y*: 8.17%

VXUS

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 4.81%
• YTD: 15.39%
• 6M: 18.56%
• 1Y: 32.67%
• 3Y*: 19.70%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 10Y*: 9.86%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DES vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	16.63%	0.25%	9.93%	16.50%	-10.96%	26.51%	-4.26%	20.26%	-12.85%	8.64%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.39%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between DES and VXUS is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2011	0.69

The correlation between DES and VXUS shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DES vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DES	VXUS
Financial Services	23.7%	22.3%
Consumer Cyclical	14.8%	8.4%
Industrials	13.3%	16.1%
Energy	10.7%	5.2%
Real Estate	9.6%	2.6%
Basic Materials	6.0%	7.6%
Technology	5.5%	18.1%
Utilities	4.6%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	5.0%
Communication Services	2.8%	4.4%
Healthcare	1.7%	7.1%

Return for Risk

DES vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DES

DES Risk / Return Rank: 57
DES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DES Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DES Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DES Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DES Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 63
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DES vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DES	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.16	-0.40
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.96	-0.32
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.40	-0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	3.02	+0.65
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.48	11.82	-1.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DES vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DES Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DES and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DES	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77	2.16	-0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32	0.56	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.58	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.39	-0.07

Drawdowns

DES vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DES drawdown since its inception was -65.48%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DES and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DES	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.48%	-35.97%	-29.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.64%	-11.27%	+3.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	-13.58%	-11.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.16%	-29.44%	+4.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.65%	-35.97%	-9.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	0.00%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-8.22%	-1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.88%	-0.20%

Volatility

DES vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) is 4.24%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.57%. This indicates that DES experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DES	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.24%	5.57%	-1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.94%	12.97%	-2.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.42%	15.19%	+1.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.56%	16.04%	+3.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.97%	17.16%	+4.81%

DES vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DES has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DES vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

DES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, less than VXUS's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.37%	2.85%	2.81%	2.65%	2.89%	2.31%	2.75%	2.68%	3.65%	2.89%	2.70%	3.09%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.63%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DES and VXUS in my portfolio?

DES and VXUS have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DES or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to DES (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DES dropped -65.48% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, DES or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VXUS leads with 9.86% vs 8.17% for DES. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, DES has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DES or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 9.86% return vs 8.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DES or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for DES.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DES or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 2.37% for DES.

What is the main difference between DES and VXUS?

DES is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. DES tracks WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend (TR), while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for DES and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.77), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.