DGS vs. VIG
DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both Dividend funds - DGS tracks the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index while VIG tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGS returned 8.21%/yr vs 13.03%/yr for VIG. Their 0.68 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. DGS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.
Performance
DGS vs. VIG - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DGS achieves a 8.16% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 9.71% return. Over the past 10 years, DGS has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of 8.21%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.03% annualized return.
DGS
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- -5.05%
- 6M
- 0.93%
- YTD
- 8.16%
- 1Y
- 15.60%
- 3Y*
- 11.49%
- 5Y*
- 6.78%
- 10Y*
- 8.21%
- ALL TIME*
- 4.63%
VIG
- 1D
- -0.37%
- 1M
- 0.23%
- 6M
- 7.64%
- YTD
- 9.71%
- 1Y
- 19.10%
- 3Y*
- 14.92%
- 5Y*
- 10.43%
- 10Y*
- 13.03%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.23%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.57M | $2.59M | $2.98M | |
| $229.58M | $245.27M | $258.85M |
DGS vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 8.16% | 21.18% | 1.13% | 19.08% | -12.35% | 15.33% | 4.06% | 18.90% | -16.52% | 37.47% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 9.71% | 14.17% | 16.99% | 14.51% | -9.80% | 23.76% | 15.43% | 29.62% | -2.08% | 22.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between DGS and VIG is 0.60, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.60 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.57 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.58 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.59 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2007 | 0.68 |
The correlation between DGS and VIG shifts across timeframes, from 0.57 (3 years) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
DGS vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank
DGS
VIG
DGS vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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 | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.89 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.27 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.17 | 1.32 | -0.15 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.55 | 2.28 | -0.74 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.58 | 9.28 | -4.70 |
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Drawdowns
DGS vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DGS drawdown since its inception was -61.83%, which is greater than VIG's maximum drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGS and VIG.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DGS | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -61.83% | -46.81% | -15.02% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.06% | -7.91% | -2.15% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.31% | -14.95% | -4.36% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.86% | -20.39% | -4.47% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -44.08% | -31.72% | -12.36% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -7.35% | -1.06% | -6.29% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -12.51% | -5.47% | -7.04% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.39% | 1.94% | +1.45% |
Volatility
DGS vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) has a higher volatility of 5.55% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.69%. This indicates that DGS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DGS | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.55% | 2.69% | +2.86% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.52% | 7.61% | +7.91% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.41% | 10.14% | +7.27% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.33% | 14.20% | +1.13% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.34% | 16.02% | +1.32% |
DGS vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison
DGS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG's 0.04% expense ratio.
Dividends
DGS vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison
DGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.96%, more than VIG's 1.50% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 3.96% | 3.45% | 3.36% | 4.55% | 5.34% | 3.98% | 3.69% | 3.95% | 4.24% | 2.81% | 3.42% | 3.28% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 1.50% | 1.62% | 1.73% | 1.88% | 1.96% | 1.55% | 1.63% | 1.71% | 2.08% | 1.88% | 2.14% | 2.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DGS and VIG have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DGS has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to VIG (2.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGS dropped -61.83% vs VIG's -46.81%.
On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.03% vs 8.21% for DGS. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG 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, VIG has performed better with a 13.03% return vs 8.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DGS.
DGS has the higher dividend yield at 3.96%, compared with 1.50% for VIG.
DGS tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DGS and 0.04% for VIG.
VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 0.89), 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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