DFAW vs VXUS
Dimensional World Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DFAW or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over 3Y 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 | DFAW | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.7B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +13.56% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.26% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.23%Best | +19.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0% | 11.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -16.9% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3 years | $17,817Best | $17,790 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 27, 2023 to Sep 17, 2026 (3 years).
DFAW 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 3 years both funds cover.
DFAW vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAW returned +19.26% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, DFAW is up 13.56% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFAW compounded at +21.23% per year against +19.58% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.0% compared with 11.8% 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 -16.9% for DFAW and -13.6% 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAW charges 0.24% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $5 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAW currently yields 1.20% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 5 holdings in DFAW and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 100.0% and 88.8% 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 5 positions we hold weights for in DFAW and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 5 and 8,747.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 5 and 8,082 positions we hold weights for.
VXUS holds 35 positions DFAW does not, 2.3% of the fund.
Largest: MKL 0.76%, SHEL 0.57%, VWO 0.11%, JD 0.09%, ALC 0.08%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAW 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, DFAW or VXUS?
DFAW has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $19 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAW or VXUS?
Over the past year DFAW returned +19.26% vs +20.82% 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, DFAW or VXUS?
DFAW has been the more volatile fund at 12.0% annualized versus 11.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFAW -16.9% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both DFAW and VXUS?
DFAW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, 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, DFAW or VXUS?
DFAW yields 1.20% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFAW?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over 3Y 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.