VSDA vs. DLN

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VSDA (VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF) and DLN (WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VSDA is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Victory Dividend Accelerator Index, while DLN is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSDA returned 7.75%/yr vs 12.37%/yr for DLN. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSDA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DLN.

Performance

VSDA vs. DLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF (VSDA) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VSDA having a 11.78% return and DLN slightly higher at 12.16%.

VSDA

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 2.52%
• 6M: 8.06%
• YTD: 11.78%
• 1Y: 13.29%
• 3Y*: 10.79%
• 5Y*: 7.75%
• 10Y*: —

DLN

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 1.34%
• 6M: 9.89%
• YTD: 12.16%
• 1Y: 20.11%
• 3Y*: 17.74%
• 5Y*: 12.37%
• 10Y*: 12.40%

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

VSDA vs. DLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSDA VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF	11.78%	6.67%	9.40%	8.74%	-4.42%	21.95%	12.72%	31.39%	-1.40%	14.07%
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	12.16%	15.53%	19.66%	9.95%	-3.78%	25.60%	4.59%	28.91%	-5.82%	13.74%

Correlation

The correlation between VSDA and DLN is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2017	0.81

The correlation between VSDA and DLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.88 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VSDA vs. DLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSDA	DLN
Consumer Defensive	31.6%	8.9%
Financial Services	21.2%	17.4%
Industrials	17.1%	7.8%
Basic Materials	8.1%	1.0%
Healthcare	7.4%	12.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.9%	4.9%
Technology	4.7%	22.8%
Utilities	2.6%	5.5%
Energy	2.4%	7.9%
Communication Services	0.0%	7.5%
Real Estate	0.0%	3.9%

Return for Risk

VSDA vs. DLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSDA

VSDA Risk / Return Rank: 37
VSDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VSDA Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VSDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VSDA Martin Ratio Rank: 31

DLN

DLN Risk / Return Rank: 85
DLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
DLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
DLN Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
DLN Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

VSDA vs. DLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF (VSDA) and WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN). 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.

	VSDA	DLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	2.26	-1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	3.22	-1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.41	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	3.31	-1.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.55	13.86	-10.30

VSDA vs. DLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSDA Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the DLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSDA and DLN, 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

VSDA vs. DLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSDA drawdown since its inception was -32.12%, smaller than the maximum DLN drawdown of -57.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSDA and DLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSDA	DLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.12%	-57.84%	+25.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.44%	-6.10%	-3.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.54%	-13.71%	-1.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.14%	-16.26%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-0.09%	-1.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.62%	-7.49%	+3.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.75%	1.46%	+2.29%

Volatility

VSDA vs. DLN - Volatility Comparison

VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF (VSDA) has a higher volatility of 3.66% compared to WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) at 2.26%. This indicates that VSDA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSDA	DLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	2.26%	+1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.50%	6.90%	+1.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.42%	8.96%	+2.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.08%	13.25%	+0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.55%	16.11%	+0.44%

VSDA vs. DLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSDA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than DLN's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSDA vs. DLN - Dividend Comparison

VSDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, more than DLN's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	1.76%	1.90%	2.00%	2.43%	2.53%	2.01%	2.66%	2.51%	2.90%	2.33%	2.64%	2.80%
VSDA VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF	2.48%	2.65%	2.36%	1.92%	1.83%	1.40%	1.49%	1.36%	1.69%	1.23%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSDA and DLN in my portfolio?

VSDA and DLN have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSDA or DLN?

VSDA has higher volatility (3.66%) compared to DLN (2.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSDA dropped -32.12% vs DLN's -57.84%.

Which ETF is better, VSDA or DLN?

On 5-year performance, DLN leads with 12.37% vs 7.75% for VSDA. On fees, DLN is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, DLN has been the lower-risk option at 2.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSDA or DLN?

Over the 5-year period, DLN has performed better with a 12.37% return vs 7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSDA or DLN?

DLN is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for VSDA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSDA or DLN?

VSDA has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 1.76% for DLN.

What is the main difference between VSDA and DLN?

VSDA is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while DLN is Large Cap Value Equities. VSDA tracks Nasdaq Victory Dividend Accelerator Index, while DLN tracks WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Crestview and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VSDA and 0.28% for DLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.17), 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.