DAK vs VXUS
DAK vs VXUS
Dakota Active Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $42M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.76% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.42% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.12% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Dakota | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DAK vs VXUS Performance
Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) is a ETF from Dakota and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DAK returned +22.12% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DAK is up 13.42% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.1% for DAK. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -7.9% for DAK and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAK charges 0.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $5 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAK currently yields 0.76% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DAK and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7997 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAK or VXUS?
DAK has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAK or VXUS?
Over the past year DAK returned +22.12% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DAK annualized +21.29% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAK or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.1% for DAK. Worst drawdown: DAK -7.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DAK and VXUS?
DAK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DAK and VXUS?
DAK and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7997 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAK or VXUS?
DAK yields 0.76% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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