VIG vs. DEW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and DEW (WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while DEW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree Global High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIG returned 13.34%/yr vs 9.72%/yr for DEW. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DEW.

Performance

VIG vs. DEW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIG achieves a 6.98% return, which is significantly lower than DEW's 12.97% return. Over the past 10 years, VIG has outperformed DEW with an annualized return of 13.34%, while DEW has yielded a comparatively lower 9.72% annualized return.

VIG

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 6.98%
• 6M: 6.28%
• 1Y: 18.42%
• 3Y*: 15.85%
• 5Y*: 10.82%
• 10Y*: 13.34%

DEW

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 12.97%
• 6M: 12.77%
• 1Y: 25.61%
• 3Y*: 19.27%
• 5Y*: 11.57%
• 10Y*: 9.72%

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

VIG vs. DEW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	6.98%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%
DEW WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund	12.97%	22.39%	11.58%	9.39%	-2.73%	21.29%	-7.32%	20.45%	-10.58%	15.38%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and DEW is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.78

The correlation between VIG and DEW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIG vs. DEW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIG	DEW
Technology	29.0%	2.5%
Financial Services	19.9%	19.7%
Healthcare	16.6%	9.5%
Industrials	11.3%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	9.3%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	3.1%
Basic Materials	3.3%	2.8%
Energy	3.2%	14.7%
Utilities	2.9%	10.8%
Communication Services	0.5%	4.1%
Real Estate	-	10.8%

Return for Risk

VIG vs. DEW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 54
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 56

DEW

DEW Risk / Return Rank: 84
DEW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DEW Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DEW Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DEW Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
DEW Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

VIG vs. DEW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW). 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.

	VIG	DEW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	2.64	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.68	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.47	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	4.06	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.44	15.88	-6.44

VIG vs. DEW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is lower than the DEW Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG and DEW, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VIG vs. DEW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, smaller than the maximum DEW drawdown of -65.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and DEW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	DEW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-65.55%	+18.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-6.34%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-11.80%	-3.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	-18.86%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	-38.77%	+7.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-1.12%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.50%	-12.41%	+6.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	1.62%	+0.34%

Volatility

VIG vs. DEW - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) have volatilities of 2.89% and 2.77%, 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

	VIG	DEW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.89%	2.77%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.70%	7.35%	+0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.14%	9.76%	+0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.23%	12.98%	+1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.04%	15.42%	+0.62%

VIG vs. DEW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than DEW's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIG vs. DEW - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than DEW's 3.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEW WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund	3.18%	3.71%	4.02%	4.55%	3.82%	3.55%	4.10%	3.74%	4.17%	3.18%	3.42%	4.32%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	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

Can I hold both VIG and DEW in my portfolio?

VIG and DEW have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIG or DEW?

VIG has higher volatility (2.89%) compared to DEW (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs DEW's -65.55%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or DEW?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.34% vs 9.72% for DEW. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, DEW has been the lower-risk option at 2.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or DEW?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.34% return vs 9.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or DEW?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DEW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VIG or DEW?

DEW has the higher dividend yield at 3.18%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VIG and DEW?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while DEW is Large Cap Value Equities. VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while DEW tracks WisdomTree Global High Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.58% for DEW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.83), 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.