DBEF vs VXUS
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DBEF or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DBEF led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBEF | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $9.4B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 691 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +13.94%Best | +13.44% |
| 1Y Return | +23.59%Best | +21.98% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.58% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.51%Best | +9.16% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5%Best | 15.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -32.5%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,844Best | $15,499 |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 9, 2011 to Sep 25, 2026 (15.3 years).
DBEF vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.3 years both funds cover.
DBEF vs VXUS Performance
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) is an ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBEF returned +23.59% while VXUS returned +21.98%. Year to date, DBEF is up 13.94% versus a gain of 13.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, DBEF compounded at +19.58% per year against +20.89% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.51% and +9.16% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, DBEF has the edge at +10.32% annualized vs +4.66%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.5% for DBEF. 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 -32.5% for DBEF and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBEF charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBEF currently yields 2.24% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 75.3% of DBEF's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of DBEF is already inside VXUS. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
497 positions in common, counted across the 660 positions we hold weights for in DBEF and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 691 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DBEF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:ASAsml Holding Nv | 2.89% | 1.42% | 1.47% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Securities Inc | 1.59% | 0.82% | 0.77% |
| ROP:SMRoche Ps Par Ag | 1.34% | 0.69% | 0.65% |
| NOVN:SMNovartis Ag Ordinary Shares | 1.31% | 0.65% | 0.66% |
| NESN:SMNestle Sa | 1.11% | 0.58% | 0.53% |
| AZN:LNAstraZeneca PLC | 1.08% | 0.57% | 0.51% |
| BHP:AUBhp Group Ltd | 1.05% | 0.31% | 0.74% |
| CBA:AUCommonwealth Bank Of Australia | 0.85% | 0.47% | 0.38% |
| FP:PATotal Se | 0.78% | 0.38% | 0.40% |
| UBSG:SMUbs Group Ag Ordinary Shares | 0.76% | 0.37% | 0.39% |
75.3% of DBEF is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DBEF or VXUS?
DBEF has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $30 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DBEF or VXUS?
Over the past year DBEF returned +23.59% vs +21.98% for VXUS, so DBEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DBEF annualized +10.32% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DBEF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.5% for DBEF. Worst drawdown: DBEF -32.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DBEF and VXUS?
DBEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between DBEF and VXUS?
At least 75.3% of DBEF's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 497 positions in common, counted across the 660 positions we hold weights for in DBEF and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBEF or VXUS?
DBEF yields 2.24% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DBEF?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DBEF led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.