DFIC vs VXUS
Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DFIC or VXUS?
Nearly the same fund. VXUS costs less.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFIC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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 | DFIC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $15.4B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.30% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 4,134 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.58% | +12.88%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.23% | +19.97%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.80% | +20.14%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.87% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -24.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $16,807Best | $16,406 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 24, 2022 to Sep 23, 2026 (4.5 years).
DFIC 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 4.5 years both funds cover.
DFIC vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFIC returned +17.23% while VXUS returned +19.97%. Year to date, DFIC is up 9.58% versus a gain of 12.88% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFIC compounded at +19.80% per year against +20.14% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 15.5% 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 -24.4% for DFIC and -24.1% 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIC 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, DFIC currently yields 2.30% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3,991 holdings in DFIC and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 94.2% and 88.8% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 2,300 positions appear in both.
2,300 positions in common, counted across the 3,991 positions we hold weights for in DFIC and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 4,134 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFIC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5930:JPBunka Shutter Co Ltd | 0.01% | 1.80% | 1.79% |
| SHELShell Plc | 0.94% | 0.57% | 0.37% |
| ASML:ASAsml Holding Nv | 0.07% | 1.42% | 1.35% |
| ROP:SMRoche Ps Par Ag | 0.61% | 0.69% | 0.08% |
| RY:CARoyal Bank Of Canada | 0.63% | 0.66% | 0.03% |
| NESN:SMNestle Sa | 0.60% | 0.58% | 0.02% |
| FP:PATotal Se | 0.70% | 0.38% | 0.32% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Holdings Plc | 0.10% | 0.82% | 0.72% |
| AZN:LNAstraZeneca PLC | 0.31% | 0.57% | 0.26% |
| RR:LNRolls-Royce Holdings PLC Ord Gbp0.20 | 0.46% | 0.38% | 0.08% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFIC 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, DFIC or VXUS?
DFIC has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $17 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFIC or VXUS?
Over the past year DFIC returned +17.23% vs +19.97% 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, DFIC or VXUS?
DFIC has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.5% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFIC -24.4% vs VXUS -24.1%.
Should I hold both DFIC and VXUS?
DFIC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFIC or VXUS?
DFIC yields 2.30% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFIC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFIC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.