DDIV vs VXUS
DDIV vs VXUS
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF 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 | DDIV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $76M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.65% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.04% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.24% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.54% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DDIV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF (DDIV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DDIV returned +25.04% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DDIV is up 12.65% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DDIV compounded at +20.24% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.54% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DDIV has the edge at +9.98% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DDIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -47.5% for DDIV 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DDIV charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDIV currently yields 1.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DDIV and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7908 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, DDIV or VXUS?
DDIV has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DDIV or VXUS?
Over the past year DDIV returned +25.04% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DDIV annualized +9.98% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DDIV or VXUS?
DDIV has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DDIV -47.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DDIV and VXUS?
DDIV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DDIV and VXUS?
DDIV and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DDIV or VXUS?
DDIV yields 1.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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