DLS vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 7.46%/yr vs 11.74%/yr for VBK. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

DLS vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLS achieves a 6.63% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 17.41% return. Over the past 10 years, DLS has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 7.46%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 11.74% annualized return.

DLS

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 6.63%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 22.56%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: 7.46%

VBK

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 17.41%
• 6M: 16.96%
• 1Y: 32.77%
• 3Y*: 17.73%
• 5Y*: 5.68%
• 10Y*: 11.74%

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

DLS vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	6.63%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	22.20%	-18.95%	31.83%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	17.41%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and VBK is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2006	0.72

The correlation between DLS and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

DLS vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DLS	VBK
Industrials	27.8%	24.7%
Financial Services	13.3%	5.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	9.6%
Basic Materials	8.9%	3.2%
Technology	8.4%	25.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	2.4%
Real Estate	7.8%	3.9%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.5%
Healthcare	3.7%	15.3%
Energy	3.0%	4.8%
Utilities	2.1%	1.2%

Return for Risk

DLS vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 51
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

DLS vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.

	DLS	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.72	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.38	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	2.88	-0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.55	10.98	-3.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DLS vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS and VBK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DLS	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.72	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.24	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.52	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.43	-0.10

Drawdowns

DLS vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, which is greater than VBK's maximum drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-58.68%	-4.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-11.44%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-27.54%	+14.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-38.39%	+6.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	-38.70%	-6.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.20%	-1.06%	-2.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-10.15%	-3.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	2.99%	0.00%

Volatility

DLS vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) is 4.58%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 5.37%. This indicates that DLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	5.37%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	14.62%	-3.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.44%	19.21%	-5.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.57%	23.48%	-7.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	22.86%	-6.19%

DLS vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.50%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.45%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLS and VBK in my portfolio?

DLS and VBK have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DLS or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (5.37%) compared to DLS (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, DLS or VBK?

On 10-year performance, VBK leads with 11.74% vs 7.46% for DLS. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, DLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLS or VBK?

Over the 10-year period, VBK has performed better with a 11.74% return vs 7.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLS or VBK?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DLS or VBK?

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.

What is the main difference between DLS and VBK?

DLS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while VBK is Small Cap Growth Equities. DLS tracks WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DLS and 0.07% for VBK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.69), 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.