DFE vs VXUS
WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund 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 | DFE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $169M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.95% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 381 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.97% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.33% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.31% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.80% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DFE vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFE returned +14.33% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, DFE is up 9.97% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFE compounded at +16.31% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.80% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -74.3% for DFE 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFE charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFE currently yields 3.95% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DFE and VXUS share 174 holdings out of 8063 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFE or VXUS?
DFE has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFE or VXUS?
Over the past year DFE returned +14.33% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DFE annualized +3.34% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFE or VXUS?
DFE has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFE -74.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DFE and VXUS?
DFE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFE and VXUS?
DFE and VXUS share 174 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8063 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFE or VXUS?
DFE yields 3.95% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so DFE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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