DBC vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DBC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: DBCMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDBCVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.84%0.05%
AUM$1.7B$156.5B
Dividend Yield2.80%2.60%
Holdings338,747
YTD Return+29.12%+14.57%
1Y Return+36.83%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.58%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.15%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)18.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-76.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionFeb 3, 2006Jan 26, 2011

DBC vs VXUS Performance

Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBC returned +36.83% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DBC is up 29.12% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, DBC compounded at +10.58% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.15% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DBC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -76.4% for DBC 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DBC charges 0.84% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $5 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBC currently yields 2.80% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DBC 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, DBC or VXUS?

DBC has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DBC or VXUS?

Over the past year DBC returned +36.83% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so DBC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DBC annualized +1.96% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DBC or VXUS?

DBC has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DBC -76.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both DBC and VXUS?

DBC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DBC and VXUS?

DBC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DBC or VXUS?

DBC yields 2.80% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DBC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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