DFAX vs VXUS
Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAX offers more diversification with 10131 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 10,538 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.00% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.59% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.76% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.16% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DFAX vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAX returned +28.59% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, DFAX is up 15.00% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFAX compounded at +20.76% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.16% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFAX has the edge at +10.16% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -28.1% for DFAX 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAX charges 0.28% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $5 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAX currently yields 2.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DFAX and VXUS share 5358 holdings out of 12634 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAX or VXUS?
DFAX has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAX or VXUS?
Over the past year DFAX returned +28.59% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so DFAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAX annualized +10.16% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAX or VXUS?
DFAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFAX -28.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DFAX and VXUS?
DFAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAX and VXUS?
DFAX and VXUS share 5358 common holdings with a 43.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 12634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAX or VXUS?
DFAX yields 2.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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