DFII vs VXUS
DFII vs VXUS
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFII | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $17M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 25.66% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -27.47% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -44.00% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DFII vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFII returned -44.00% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DFII is down 27.47% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.6% 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 -51.0% for DFII 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFII charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFII currently yields 25.66% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFII or VXUS?
DFII has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFII or VXUS?
Over the past year DFII returned -44.00% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DFII annualized -16.84% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFII or VXUS?
DFII has been the more volatile fund at 34.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFII -51.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DFII and VXUS?
DFII and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFII or VXUS?
DFII yields 25.66% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DFII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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