DDFL vs VXUS
Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July 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 | DDFL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $148M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.07% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.77% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DDFL vs VXUS Performance
Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July (DDFL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DDFL returned +8.77% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DDFL is up 5.07% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.2% for DDFL. 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 -1.6% for DDFL 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DDFL charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDFL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DDFL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, DDFL or VXUS?
DDFL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DDFL or VXUS?
Over the past year DDFL returned +8.77% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DDFL annualized +9.02% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DDFL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.2% for DDFL. Worst drawdown: DDFL -1.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DDFL and VXUS?
DDFL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DDFL and VXUS?
DDFL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DDFL or VXUS?
DDFL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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