DFGR vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDFGRVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.22%0.05%
AUM$3.9B$156.5B
Dividend Yield3.70%2.60%
Holdings4678,747
YTD Return+13.00%+14.57%
1Y Return+14.85%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.40%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)15.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-21.3%-39.9%
Fund FamilyDimensionalVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 6, 2022Jan 26, 2011

DFGR vs VXUS Performance

Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFGR returned +14.85% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DFGR is up 13.00% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, DFGR compounded at +10.40% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFGR has the edge at +8.41% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -21.3% for DFGR 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DFGR charges 0.22% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $5 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFGR currently yields 3.70% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

1.0%overlap

DFGR and VXUS share 184 holdings out of 8121 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DFGRWeight in VXUSDifference
GMG:AU1.99%0.09%1.90%
IRM1.63%0.05%1.58%
SGRO:LN0.80%0.03%0.77%
URW:PAProProPro
SCG:AUProProPro
823:HKProProPro
C38U:SIProProPro
EGPProProPro
LOIM:PAProProPro
SGP:AUProProPro
See all 10 holdings DFGR shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DFGR or VXUS?

DFGR has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DFGR or VXUS?

Over the past year DFGR returned +14.85% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFGR annualized +8.41% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DFGR or VXUS?

DFGR has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFGR -21.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both DFGR and VXUS?

DFGR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DFGR and VXUS?

DFGR and VXUS share 184 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8121 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DFGR or VXUS?

DFGR yields 3.70% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DFGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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