DNL vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DNL (WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - DNL tracks the WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Index while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DNL returned 9.17%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DNL charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

DNL vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DNL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DNL achieves a 10.17% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.92% return. Over the past 10 years, DNL has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 9.17%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 10.17% annualized return.

DNL

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 3.92%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 11.58%
• 1Y: 19.16%
• 3Y*: 10.72%
• 5Y*: 4.00%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

VEA

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 14.92%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

DNL vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DNL WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund	10.17%	17.03%	-0.61%	17.00%	-22.38%	16.14%	18.22%	36.23%	-14.76%	31.11%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.92%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between DNL and VEA is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 27, 2007	0.86

The correlation between DNL and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

DNL vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DNL	VEA
Technology	33.0%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	18.5%	7.5%
Industrials	16.3%	19.2%
Healthcare	10.6%	8.2%
Energy	6.5%	5.4%
Communication Services	6.2%	3.4%
Financial Services	4.0%	23.3%
Basic Materials	3.2%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	5.6%
Utilities	0.5%	3.3%
Real Estate	-	2.7%

Return for Risk

DNL vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DNL

DNL Risk / Return Rank: 31
DNL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DNL Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
DNL Omega Ratio Rank: 28
DNL Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
DNL Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA 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.

DNL vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DNL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	DNL	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	2.09	-1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	2.87	-1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.38	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	2.81	-1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.55	10.94	-5.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DNL vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DNL Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DNL and VEA, 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

	DNL	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.08	2.09	-1.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22	0.58	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.59	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.25	+0.02

Drawdowns

DNL vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DNL drawdown since its inception was -44.53%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DNL and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DNL	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.53%	-60.68%	+16.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.42%	-11.63%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.15%	-13.45%	-6.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.85%	-29.71%	-5.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.85%	-35.73%	+0.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-0.90%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.17%	-13.29%	+3.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	2.98%	+0.48%

Volatility

DNL vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DNL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 5.51% and 5.66%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	DNL	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.51%	5.66%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.96%	13.32%	+1.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.90%	15.66%	+2.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.21%	16.55%	+1.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.65%	17.36%	+1.29%

DNL vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DNL has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

DNL vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

DNL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, less than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DNL WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund	1.66%	2.06%	2.30%	1.81%	4.82%	1.38%	1.76%	1.93%	2.55%	1.86%	2.51%	1.98%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DNL and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DNL and VEA 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.

Which is riskier, DNL or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to DNL (5.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DNL dropped -44.53% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, DNL or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.17% vs 9.17% for DNL. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, DNL has been the lower-risk option at 5.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DNL or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.17% return vs 9.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DNL or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DNL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DNL or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 1.66% for DNL.

What is the main difference between DNL and VEA?

DNL tracks WisdomTree Global ex-U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DNL and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.08), 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.