DECU vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDECUVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.05%
AUM$53M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings48,747
YTD Return+9.64%+14.57%
1Y Return+16.45%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)8.4%15.1%
Max Drawdown-10.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 29, 2024Jan 26, 2011

DECU vs VXUS Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DECU returned +16.45% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DECU is up 9.64% 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 8.4% for DECU. 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 -10.7% for DECU 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DECU charges 0.74% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $5 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECU currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DECU or VXUS?

DECU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DECU or VXUS?

Over the past year DECU returned +16.45% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECU annualized +11.28% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DECU or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.4% for DECU. Worst drawdown: DECU -10.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both DECU and VXUS?

DECU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, DECU or VXUS?

DECU yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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