DFJ vs. VYM
Compare and contrast key facts about WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM).
DFJ and VYM are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. DFJ is a passively managed fund by WisdomTree that tracks the performance of the WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Index. It was launched on Jun 16, 2006. VYM is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. It was launched on Feb 7, 2019. Both DFJ and VYM are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
DFJ vs. VYM - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
DFJ vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund | 5.94% | 31.90% | 2.80% | 21.81% | -9.00% | 0.38% | 1.29% | 16.98% | -18.53% | 32.14% |
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | 3.80% | 15.42% | 17.60% | 6.57% | -0.43% | 26.20% | 1.15% | 24.06% | -5.92% | 16.42% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DFJ achieves a 5.94% return, which is significantly higher than VYM's 3.80% return. Over the past 10 years, DFJ has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 9.09%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.24% annualized return.
DFJ
- 1D
- 3.53%
- 1M
- -9.59%
- YTD
- 5.94%
- 6M
- 9.16%
- 1Y
- 32.42%
- 3Y*
- 17.78%
- 5Y*
- 8.69%
- 10Y*
- 9.09%
VYM
- 1D
- 1.80%
- 1M
- -3.92%
- YTD
- 3.80%
- 6M
- 6.39%
- 1Y
- 17.76%
- 3Y*
- 15.21%
- 5Y*
- 11.04%
- 10Y*
- 11.24%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
DFJ vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison
DFJ has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
DFJ vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank
DFJ
VYM
DFJ vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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.
| DFJ | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.88 | 1.18 | +0.70 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.54 | 1.69 | +0.85 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | 1.26 | +0.08 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.41 | 1.68 | +0.73 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.69 | 7.46 | +1.23 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| DFJ | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.88 | 1.18 | +0.70 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.55 | 0.79 | -0.24 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.54 | 0.69 | -0.15 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.30 | 0.49 | -0.19 |
Correlation
The correlation between DFJ and VYM is 0.56, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
DFJ vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison
DFJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, more than VYM's 2.37% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund | 2.51% | 2.68% | 2.46% | 2.43% | 2.62% | 2.07% | 2.59% | 2.24% | 1.89% | 1.60% | 1.76% | 1.23% |
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | 2.37% | 2.44% | 2.74% | 3.12% | 3.01% | 2.76% | 3.18% | 3.03% | 3.40% | 2.80% | 2.91% | 3.22% |
Drawdowns
DFJ vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DFJ drawdown since its inception was -46.00%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFJ and VYM.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| DFJ | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -46.00% | -56.98% | +10.98% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.03% | -11.32% | -1.71% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -29.71% | -15.84% | -13.87% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -40.02% | -35.21% | -4.81% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -9.59% | -4.81% | -4.78% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.19% | -7.25% | -3.94% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.62% | 2.55% | +1.07% |
Volatility
DFJ vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison
WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) has a higher volatility of 7.65% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 3.74%. This indicates that DFJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| DFJ | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.65% | 3.74% | +3.91% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.62% | 7.96% | +4.66% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.39% | 15.17% | +2.22% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.75% | 13.97% | +1.78% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.90% | 16.33% | +0.57% |