DBAW vs VTI
Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DBAW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBAW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $304M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,830 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.44% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.66% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
DBAW vs VTI Performance
Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF (DBAW) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBAW returned +27.44% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, DBAW is up 14.92% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, DBAW compounded at +21.66% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +7.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.1% for DBAW. 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 -31.4% for DBAW 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBAW charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBAW currently yields 1.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DBAW and VTI share 6 holdings out of 4532 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DBAW or VTI?
DBAW has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBAW or VTI?
Over the past year DBAW returned +27.44% vs +22.17% for VTI, so DBAW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DBAW annualized +7.64% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBAW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.1% for DBAW. Worst drawdown: DBAW -31.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DBAW and VTI?
DBAW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBAW and VTI?
DBAW and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBAW or VTI?
DBAW yields 1.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DBAW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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