DEMZ vs VXUS
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEMZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $68M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.35% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.22% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.92% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.13% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | DEMZ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DEMZ vs VXUS Performance
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) is a ETF from DEMZ and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEMZ returned +19.22% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, DEMZ is up 11.35% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, DEMZ compounded at +21.92% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.13% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DEMZ has the edge at +16.64% annualized vs +4.79%. 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 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 -27.2% for DEMZ 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 0.78. 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 0.89% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DEMZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7911 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, DEMZ or VXUS?
DEMZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEMZ or VXUS?
Over the past year DEMZ returned +19.22% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DEMZ annualized +16.64% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEMZ or VXUS?
DEMZ has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DEMZ -27.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DEMZ and VXUS?
DEMZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEMZ and VXUS?
DEMZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEMZ or VXUS?
DEMZ yields 0.89% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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