VTV vs. DES

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) and DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VTV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, while DES is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend (TR). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTV returned 12.78%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for DES. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTV charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for DES.

Performance

VTV vs. DES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTV achieves a 14.29% return, which is significantly lower than DES's 20.48% return. Over the past 10 years, VTV has outperformed DES with an annualized return of 12.78%, while DES has yielded a comparatively lower 8.59% annualized return.

VTV

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 3.87%
• YTD: 14.29%
• 6M: 13.99%
• 1Y: 27.90%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 11.76%
• 10Y*: 12.78%

DES

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 5.05%
• YTD: 20.48%
• 6M: 17.29%
• 1Y: 31.80%
• 3Y*: 14.46%
• 5Y*: 6.81%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

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

VTV vs. DES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	14.29%	15.27%	15.95%	9.32%	-2.09%	26.53%	2.33%	25.66%	-5.47%	17.15%
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	20.48%	0.25%	9.93%	16.50%	-10.96%	26.51%	-4.26%	20.26%	-12.85%	8.64%

Correlation

The correlation between VTV and DES is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.85

The correlation between VTV and DES has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTV vs. DES - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTV	DES
Financial Services	22.3%	23.7%
Healthcare	14.5%	1.7%
Industrials	14.0%	13.3%
Technology	13.4%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	9.4%	4.3%
Energy	8.1%	10.7%
Utilities	5.2%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	14.8%
Communication Services	3.3%	2.8%
Basic Materials	3.1%	6.0%
Real Estate	2.8%	9.6%

Return for Risk

VTV vs. DES — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTV

VTV Risk / Return Rank: 88
VTV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
VTV Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VTV Omega Ratio Rank: 87
VTV Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
VTV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

DES

DES Risk / Return Rank: 68
DES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DES Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DES Omega Ratio Rank: 60
DES Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DES Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

VTV vs. DES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES). 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.

	VTV	DES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	1.79	+0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.71	2.66	+1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.32	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.25	3.87	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.04	11.13	+4.91

VTV vs. DES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTV Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is higher than the DES Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTV and DES, 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

VTV vs. DES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTV drawdown since its inception was -59.27%, smaller than the maximum DES drawdown of -65.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTV and DES.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTV	DES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.27%	-65.48%	+6.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.35%	-7.64%	+1.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.52%	-25.16%	+10.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.04%	-25.16%	+8.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.78%	-45.65%	+8.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.86%	-9.67%	+1.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.68%	2.66%	-0.98%

Volatility

VTV vs. DES - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) is 3.34%, while WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) has a volatility of 4.28%. This indicates that VTV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTV	DES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	4.28%	-0.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.82%	10.97%	-3.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.38%	16.48%	-6.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.92%	19.58%	-5.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.68%	21.97%	-5.29%

VTV vs. DES - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTV has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than DES's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTV vs. DES - Dividend Comparison

VTV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.83%, less than DES's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.29%	2.85%	2.81%	2.65%	2.89%	2.31%	2.75%	2.68%	3.65%	2.89%	2.70%	3.09%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	1.83%	2.05%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.56%	2.50%	2.73%	2.29%	2.44%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTV and DES in my portfolio?

VTV and DES have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTV or DES?

DES has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to VTV (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTV dropped -59.27% vs DES's -65.48%.

Which ETF is better, VTV or DES?

On 10-year performance, VTV leads with 12.78% vs 8.59% for DES. On fees, VTV is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VTV has been the lower-risk option at 3.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTV or DES?

Over the 10-year period, VTV has performed better with a 12.78% return vs 8.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTV or DES?

VTV is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for DES.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTV or DES?

DES has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 1.83% for VTV.

What is the main difference between VTV and DES?

VTV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while DES is Small Cap Blend Equities. VTV tracks CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, while DES tracks WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend (TR). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VTV and 0.38% for DES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 1.79), 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.