DFAC vs VXUS
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DFAC or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFAC led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
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 | DFAC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $48.8B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 2,554 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +14.94%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.75% | +21.99%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.84% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.24%Best | +9.48% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,813Best | $15,728 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 14, 2021 to Sep 22, 2026 (5.3 years).
DFAC 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 5.3 years both funds cover.
DFAC vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAC returned +17.75% while VXUS returned +21.99%. Year to date, DFAC is up 14.19% versus a gain of 14.94% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFAC compounded at +20.84% per year against +20.89% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.24% and +9.48% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 14.9% 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 -23.1% for DFAC 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAC charges 0.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $5 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAC currently yields 0.89% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 0.6% of DFAC's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
We cannot see either book well enough to say how much of this pair is duplicated.
18 positions in common, counted across the 2,504 positions we hold weights for in DFAC and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 2,554 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLMarkel Group Inc | 0.06% | 0.76% | 0.70% |
| HBANHuntington Bancshares Inc./Oh | 0.10% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| KRKroger Co. | 0.12% | 0.00% | 0.12% |
| HALHalliburton Co. | 0.08% | 0.02% | 0.06% |
| SRESempra Common Stock | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.06% |
| JHX:AUJames Hardie Industries Plc Sponsored Adr (1 Ads : 1 Ordinary) | 0.02% | 0.03% | 0.01% |
| AMAntero Midstream Corporationam | 0.04% | 0.01% | 0.03% |
| FBKFb Financial Corp | 0.01% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
| RAILFreightcar America Inc | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| SIG:LNSignet Jewelers Limited Common Shares | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.00% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAC 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, DFAC or VXUS?
DFAC has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $12 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAC or VXUS?
Over the past year DFAC returned +17.75% vs +21.99% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAC or VXUS?
DFAC has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFAC -23.1% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both DFAC and VXUS?
DFAC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, 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, DFAC or VXUS?
DFAC yields 0.89% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFAC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFAC led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.