DGS vs. VGLT
DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) and VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGS is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while VGLT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGS returned 10.14%/yr vs -1.21%/yr for VGLT. At a correlation of -0.16, they often move in opposite directions. DGS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGLT.
Performance
DGS vs. VGLT - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DGS achieves a 14.94% return, which is significantly higher than VGLT's 0.03% return. Over the past 10 years, DGS has outperformed VGLT with an annualized return of 10.14%, while VGLT has yielded a comparatively lower -1.21% annualized return.
DGS
- 1D
- 0.65%
- 1M
- 3.53%
- YTD
- 14.94%
- 6M
- 17.07%
- 1Y
- 25.61%
- 3Y*
- 15.36%
- 5Y*
- 8.06%
- 10Y*
- 10.14%
VGLT
- 1D
- -0.27%
- 1M
- 2.62%
- YTD
- 0.03%
- 6M
- 0.49%
- 1Y
- 4.27%
- 3Y*
- -0.30%
- 5Y*
- -5.52%
- 10Y*
- -1.21%
DGS vs. VGLT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 14.94% | 21.18% | 1.13% | 19.08% | -12.35% | 15.33% | 4.06% | 18.90% | -16.52% | 37.47% |
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF | 0.03% | 5.35% | -6.28% | 3.27% | -29.34% | -4.98% | 17.57% | 14.30% | -1.54% | 8.64% |
Correlation
The correlation between DGS and VGLT is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.38 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.26 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.13 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.02 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009 | -0.16 |
The correlation between DGS and VGLT shifts across timeframes, from -0.16 (all time) to 0.38 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
DGS vs. VGLT — Risk / Return Rank
DGS
VGLT
DGS vs. VGLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). 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 | VGLT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.06 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.41 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.07 | +0.20 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.38 | 0.47 | +1.90 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.84 | 1.19 | +6.65 |
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Drawdowns
DGS vs. VGLT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DGS drawdown since its inception was -61.83%, which is greater than VGLT's maximum drawdown of -46.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGS and VGLT.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DGS | VGLT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -61.83% | -46.18% | -15.65% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.06% | -7.01% | -3.05% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.31% | -17.68% | -1.63% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.86% | -40.98% | +16.12% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -44.08% | -46.18% | +2.10% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.05% | -36.55% | +35.50% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -12.57% | -15.09% | +2.52% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.05% | 2.78% | +0.27% |
Volatility
DGS vs. VGLT - Volatility Comparison
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) has a higher volatility of 7.30% compared to Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) at 2.69%. This indicates that DGS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGLT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DGS | VGLT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.30% | 2.69% | +4.61% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.27% | 6.09% | +8.18% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.60% | 8.78% | +7.82% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.08% | 14.57% | +0.51% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.39% | 13.82% | +3.57% |
DGS vs. VGLT - Expense Ratio Comparison
DGS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VGLT's 0.03% expense ratio.
Dividends
DGS vs. VGLT - Dividend Comparison
DGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, less than VGLT's 4.59% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 3.20% | 3.45% | 3.36% | 4.55% | 5.34% | 3.98% | 3.69% | 3.95% | 4.24% | 2.81% | 3.42% | 3.28% |
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF | 4.59% | 4.44% | 4.33% | 3.33% | 2.84% | 1.82% | 2.15% | 2.46% | 2.71% | 2.55% | 2.69% | 3.21% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DGS and VGLT have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DGS has higher volatility (7.30%) compared to VGLT (2.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGS dropped -61.83% vs VGLT's -46.18%.
On 10-year performance, DGS leads with 10.14% vs -1.21% for VGLT. On fees, VGLT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGLT has been the lower-risk option at 2.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, DGS has performed better with a 10.14% return vs -1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VGLT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DGS.
VGLT has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 3.20% for DGS.
DGS is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while VGLT is Government Bonds. DGS tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while VGLT tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DGS and 0.03% for VGLT.
DGS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 0.38), 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.
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