DEEP vs VXUS
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DEEP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEEP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $28M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.84% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.05% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.25% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Acquirers Funds, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DEEP vs VXUS Performance
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF (DEEP) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DEEP is up 23.84% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DEEP compounded at +9.40% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.25% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, DEEP has the edge at +5.73% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -56.4% for DEEP 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEEP charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEEP currently yields 1.91% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DEEP and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7960 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, DEEP or VXUS?
DEEP has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEEP or VXUS?
Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so DEEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DEEP annualized +5.73% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEEP or VXUS?
DEEP has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DEEP -56.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DEEP and VXUS?
DEEP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEEP and VXUS?
DEEP and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEEP or VXUS?
DEEP yields 1.91% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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