DGS vs. GBDC

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) is Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while GBDC (Golub Capital BDC, Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, DGS returned 9.29%/yr vs 6.02%/yr for GBDC. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

DGS vs. GBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (GBDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGS achieves a 13.33% return, which is significantly higher than GBDC's -0.26% return. Over the past 10 years, DGS has outperformed GBDC with an annualized return of 9.29%, while GBDC has yielded a comparatively lower 6.02% annualized return.

DGS

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -2.39%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 13.33%
• 1Y: 19.82%
• 3Y*: 15.20%
• 5Y*: 7.51%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

GBDC

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -1.45%
• YTD: -0.26%
• 6M: -0.26%
• 1Y: -1.42%
• 3Y*: 10.13%
• 5Y*: 6.49%
• 10Y*: 6.02%

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

DGS vs. GBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	13.33%	21.18%	1.13%	19.08%	-12.35%	15.33%	4.06%	18.90%	-16.52%	37.47%
GBDC Golub Capital BDC, Inc.	-0.26%	-0.50%	13.57%	27.69%	-6.99%	17.78%	-14.73%	21.09%	-2.20%	6.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DGS and GBDC is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2010	0.30

Return for Risk

DGS vs. GBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGS

DGS Risk / Return Rank: 40
DGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
DGS Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DGS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

GBDC

GBDC Risk / Return Rank: 38
GBDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
GBDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
GBDC Omega Ratio Rank: 34
GBDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
GBDC Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

DGS vs. GBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (GBDC). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DGS	GBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	-0.07	+1.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	0.03	+1.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.00	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.98	-0.08	+2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.45	-0.16	+6.61

DGS vs. GBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGS Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is higher than the GBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGS and GBDC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DGS vs. GBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGS drawdown since its inception was -61.83%, which is greater than GBDC's maximum drawdown of -47.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGS and GBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGS	GBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.83%	-47.30%	-14.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.06%	-18.20%	+8.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.31%	-18.20%	-1.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.86%	-19.28%	-5.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.08%	-47.30%	+3.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.92%	-7.66%	+4.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.54%	-6.15%	-6.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	8.81%	-5.73%

Volatility

DGS vs. GBDC - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) has a higher volatility of 7.62% compared to Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (GBDC) at 6.24%. This indicates that DGS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGS	GBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.62%	6.24%	+1.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.80%	16.30%	-1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.81%	19.27%	-2.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.20%	17.21%	-2.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.30%	21.60%	-4.30%

Dividends

DGS vs. GBDC - Dividend Comparison

DGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.78%, less than GBDC's 11.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	3.78%	3.45%	3.36%	4.55%	5.34%	3.98%	3.69%	3.95%	4.24%	2.81%	3.42%	3.28%
GBDC Golub Capital BDC, Inc.	11.21%	11.50%	12.73%	10.00%	9.35%	7.58%	8.44%	7.70%	8.49%	7.47%	8.32%	7.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGS and GBDC in my portfolio?

DGS and GBDC have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGS or GBDC?

DGS has higher volatility (7.62%) compared to GBDC (6.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGS dropped -61.83% vs GBDC's -47.30%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs -0.07), 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.