DBA vs VXUS
DBA vs VXUS
Invesco DB Agriculture Fund 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 | DBA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.42% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.06% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.02% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.91% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DBA vs VXUS Performance
Invesco DB Agriculture Fund (DBA) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBA returned +9.02% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DBA is up 8.06% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DBA compounded at +11.78% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.91% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DBA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -68.0% for DBA 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBA charges 0.88% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $5 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBA currently yields 3.42% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DBA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, DBA or VXUS?
DBA has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBA or VXUS?
Over the past year DBA returned +9.02% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DBA annualized +1.25% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBA or VXUS?
DBA has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DBA -68.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DBA and VXUS?
DBA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBA and VXUS?
DBA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBA or VXUS?
DBA yields 3.42% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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