Dimensional US Small Cap ETF (DFAS) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAS returned +31.26% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DFAS is up 19.24% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, DFAS compounded at +15.01% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.22% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFAS has the edge at +8.62% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

DFAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -26.1% for DFAS 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

DFAS charges 0.26% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $5 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAS currently yields 0.96% against 2.60% for VXUS.