DGS vs. VSS
DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGS is a Dividend fund tracking the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while VSS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGS returned 8.04%/yr vs 7.57%/yr for VSS. Their correlation of 0.87 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DGS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.
Performance
DGS vs. VSS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DGS achieves a 9.26% return, which is significantly higher than VSS's 6.94% return. Over the past 10 years, DGS has outperformed VSS with an annualized return of 8.04%, while VSS has yielded a comparatively lower 7.57% annualized return.
DGS
- 1D
- 1.02%
- 1M
- -4.08%
- 6M
- 1.74%
- YTD
- 9.26%
- 1Y
- 16.78%
- 3Y*
- 12.33%
- 5Y*
- 6.77%
- 10Y*
- 8.04%
- ALL TIME*
- 4.68%
VSS
- 1D
- 1.28%
- 1M
- -1.71%
- 6M
- 0.47%
- YTD
- 6.94%
- 1Y
- 18.10%
- 3Y*
- 14.19%
- 5Y*
- 5.11%
- 10Y*
- 7.57%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.69%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.65M | $2.61M | $2.99M | |
| $24.96M | $29.77M | $40.87M |
DGS vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 9.26% | 21.18% | 1.13% | 19.08% | -12.35% | 15.33% | 4.06% | 18.90% | -16.52% | 37.47% |
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF | 6.94% | 29.61% | 2.94% | 15.52% | -21.48% | 13.05% | 11.81% | 21.36% | -18.48% | 30.61% |
Correlation
The correlation between DGS and VSS is 0.90, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.90 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.88 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.87 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.86 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2009 | 0.87 |
The correlation between DGS and VSS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
DGS vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank
DGS
VSS
DGS vs. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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 | VSS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.15 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.18 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.18 | 1.21 | -0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.68 | 1.57 | +0.11 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.93 | 4.95 | -0.02 |
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Drawdowns
DGS vs. VSS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DGS drawdown since its inception was -61.83%, which is greater than VSS's maximum drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGS and VSS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DGS | VSS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -61.83% | -43.51% | -18.32% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.06% | -11.62% | +1.56% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.31% | -15.73% | -3.58% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.86% | -33.93% | +9.07% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -44.08% | -43.51% | -0.57% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.41% | -5.78% | -0.63% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -12.51% | -9.60% | -2.91% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.41% | 3.67% | -0.26% |
Volatility
DGS vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) has a higher volatility of 5.64% compared to Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) at 5.23%. This indicates that DGS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DGS | VSS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.64% | 5.23% | +0.41% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.50% | 14.27% | +1.23% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.44% | 16.29% | +1.15% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.34% | 16.69% | -1.35% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.35% | 17.15% | +0.20% |
DGS vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison
DGS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio.
Dividends
DGS vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison
DGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.92%, more than VSS's 3.26% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 3.92% | 3.45% | 3.36% | 4.55% | 5.34% | 3.98% | 3.69% | 3.95% | 4.24% | 2.81% | 3.42% | 3.28% |
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF | 3.26% | 3.39% | 3.44% | 3.14% | 2.30% | 2.74% | 1.90% | 3.25% | 2.80% | 2.83% | 2.93% | 2.66% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.90, DGS and VSS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
DGS has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to VSS (5.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGS dropped -61.83% vs VSS's -43.51%.
On 10-year performance, DGS leads with 8.04% vs 7.57% for VSS. On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VSS has been the lower-risk option at 5.23%. 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 8.04% return vs 7.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DGS.
DGS has the higher dividend yield at 3.92%, compared with 3.26% for VSS.
DGS is categorized as Dividend, while VSS is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. DGS tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while VSS tracks FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DGS and 0.07% for VSS.
VSS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs 0.97), 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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