DEMZ vs VXUS
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DEMZ or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DEMZ led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEMZ | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $68M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 43 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.73% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.69% | +22.44%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.33%Best | +19.44% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.34%Best | +8.82% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,110Best | $15,260 |
| Fund Family | DEMZ | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 3, 2020 to Sep 10, 2026 (5.9 years).
DEMZ vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.9 years both funds cover.
DEMZ vs VXUS Performance
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) is an ETF from DEMZ and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEMZ returned +16.69% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, DEMZ is up 9.73% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, DEMZ compounded at +20.33% per year against +19.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.34% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DEMZ has the edge at +16.16% annualized vs +11.95%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEMZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 14.3% 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 -27.2% for DEMZ and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEMZ charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEMZ currently yields 0.87% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 42 holdings in DEMZ and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 99.4% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 42 positions we hold weights for in DEMZ and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 43 and 8,747.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 42 and 8,091 positions we hold weights for.
VXUS holds 44 positions DEMZ does not, 2.4% of the fund.
Largest: SHEL 0.48%, IBDRY 0.37%, ASX 0.16%, BALN 3.4 04/15/30 14 0.16%, PRYMY 0.11%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DEMZ and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEMZ or VXUS?
DEMZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $40 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DEMZ or VXUS?
Over the past year DEMZ returned +16.69% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DEMZ annualized +16.16% vs +11.95% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DEMZ or VXUS?
DEMZ has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.3% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DEMZ -27.2% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both DEMZ and VXUS?
DEMZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEMZ or VXUS?
DEMZ yields 0.87% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DEMZ?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DEMZ led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.