PortfoliosLab logoPortfoliosLab logo

Documentation

Upgrade your plan
DGS vs. VWO
Performance
Return for Risk
Dividends
Drawdowns
Volatility

DGS vs. VWO

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO).

DGS and VWO are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. DGS is a passively managed fund by WisdomTree that tracks the performance of the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index. It was launched on Oct 30, 2007. VWO is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the FTSE Emerging Index. It was launched on Mar 4, 2005. Both DGS and VWO 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

DGS vs. VWO - Performance Comparison

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

Loading graphics...

DGS vs. VWO - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
DGS
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund		5.34%21.18%1.13%19.08%-12.35%15.33%4.06%18.90%-16.52%37.47%
VWO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF		0.54%25.60%10.59%9.25%-17.98%1.26%15.17%20.75%-14.76%31.49%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGS achieves a 5.34% return, which is significantly higher than VWO's 0.54% return. Over the past 10 years, DGS has outperformed VWO with an annualized return of 8.94%, while VWO has yielded a comparatively lower 7.63% annualized return.

DGS

1D
2.72%
1M
-6.99%
YTD
5.34%
6M
6.67%
1Y
29.07%
3Y*
13.78%
5Y*
7.49%
10Y*
8.94%

VWO

1D
3.11%
1M
-6.97%
YTD
0.54%
6M
1.72%
1Y
22.75%
3Y*
13.73%
5Y*
3.84%
10Y*
7.63%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF

Often compared with DGS:
DGS vs. AVESDGS vs. AVEEDGS vs. AVDVDGS vs. DLSDGS vs. AVEMDGS vs. VSSDGS vs. DEMSX
Often compared with VWO:
VWO vs. VEAVWO vs. IEMGVWO vs. VXUSVWO vs. EEMVWO vs. VTIVWO vs. VOOVWO vs. VEMAX

DGS vs. VWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VWO's 0.08% expense ratio.

DGS
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund
VWO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF

Return for Risk

DGS vs. VWO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
DGS
DGS Risk / Return Rank: 8787
Overall Rank
DGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8787
Sharpe Ratio Rank
DGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 8888
Sortino Ratio Rank
DGS Omega Ratio Rank: 8787
Omega Ratio Rank
DGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 8686
Calmar Ratio Rank
DGS Martin Ratio Rank: 8686
Martin Ratio Rank
VWO
VWO Risk / Return Rank: 7474
Overall Rank
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7575
Sharpe Ratio Rank
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 7575
Sortino Ratio Rank
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 7474
Omega Ratio Rank
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 7575
Calmar Ratio Rank
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 7474
Martin Ratio Rank
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. VWO - 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 Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). 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.

DGSVWODifference

Sharpe ratio

Return per unit of total volatility

1.76

1.28

+0.48

Sortino ratio

Return per unit of downside risk

2.37

1.81

+0.56

Omega ratio

Gain probability vs. loss probability

1.34

1.26

+0.08

Calmar ratio

Return relative to maximum drawdown

2.56

1.85

+0.71

Martin ratio

Return relative to average drawdown

9.49

7.12

+2.38

Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGS vs. VWO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGS Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is higher than the VWO Sharpe Ratio of 1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGS and VWO, offering insights into how both investments have performed under varying market conditions. These values are calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months.

Loading graphics...

Sharpe Ratios by Period

DGSVWODifference

Sharpe Ratio (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

1.76

1.28

+0.48

Sharpe Ratio (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.51

0.22

+0.29

Sharpe Ratio (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.52

0.40

+0.12

Sharpe Ratio (All Time)

Calculated using the full available price history

0.21

0.25

-0.04

Correlation

The correlation between DGS and VWO is 0.91, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.

Dividends

DGS vs. VWO - Dividend Comparison

DGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, more than VWO's 2.68% yield.

TTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
DGS
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund		3.49%3.45%3.36%4.55%5.34%3.98%3.69%3.95%4.24%2.81%3.42%3.28%
VWO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF		2.68%2.79%3.20%3.52%4.11%2.63%1.91%3.23%2.88%2.30%2.52%3.26%

Drawdowns

DGS vs. VWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGS drawdown since its inception was -61.83%, smaller than the maximum VWO drawdown of -67.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGS and VWO.

Loading graphics...

Drawdown Indicators

DGSVWODifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-61.83%

-67.68%

+5.85%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-10.99%

-12.23%

+1.24%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-24.86%

-32.80%

+7.94%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-44.08%

-36.39%

-7.69%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-7.62%

-8.41%

+0.79%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-12.68%

-15.93%

+3.25%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

2.96%

3.18%

-0.22%

Volatility

DGS vs. VWO - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) have volatilities of 8.48% and 8.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Loading graphics...

Volatility by Period

DGSVWODifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

8.48%

8.17%

+0.31%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

11.46%

12.26%

-0.80%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

16.59%

17.83%

-1.24%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

14.66%

17.21%

-2.55%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

17.25%

19.18%

-1.93%