DEFI 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

MetricDEFIVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.05%
AUM$14M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings38,747
YTD Return-27.97%+14.57%
1Y Return-44.77%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)51.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-53.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHashdexVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 15, 2022Jan 26, 2011

DEFI vs VXUS Performance

Hashdex Bitcoin ETF (DEFI) is a ETF from Hashdex and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEFI returned -44.77% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DEFI is down 27.97% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DEFI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 51.5% 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 -53.2% for DEFI 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DEFI charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEFI currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DEFI or VXUS?

DEFI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DEFI or VXUS?

Over the past year DEFI returned -44.77% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DEFI annualized +14.70% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DEFI or VXUS?

DEFI has been the more volatile fund at 51.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DEFI -53.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both DEFI and VXUS?

DEFI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, DEFI or VXUS?

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

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