DAX vs VTI
Global X Dax Germany ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $236M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.06% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.15% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.79% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.67% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.87% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
DAX vs VTI Performance
Global X Dax Germany ETF (DAX) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DAX returned +6.79% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, DAX is up 5.15% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, DAX compounded at +20.67% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.87% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +4.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.7% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.1% for DAX and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAX charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAX currently yields 2.06% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DAX and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2826 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DAX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 1.05% | 0.44% | 0.61% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAX or VTI?
DAX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAX or VTI?
Over the past year DAX returned +6.79% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), DAX annualized +4.40% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAX or VTI?
DAX has been the more volatile fund at 33.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DAX -56.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DAX and VTI?
DAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DAX and VTI?
DAX and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2826 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAX or VTI?
DAX yields 2.06% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.