DECM vs VXUS
DECM vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - December 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 | DECM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $48M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.71% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.05% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DECM vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - December (DECM) 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 DECM returned +7.05% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DECM is up 3.71% 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 2.6% for DECM. 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 -3.0% for DECM 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DECM charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECM currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DECM 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, DECM or VXUS?
DECM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DECM or VXUS?
Over the past year DECM returned +7.05% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECM annualized +6.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DECM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.6% for DECM. Worst drawdown: DECM -3.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DECM and VXUS?
DECM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DECM and VXUS?
DECM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DECM or VXUS?
DECM yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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