DFIS vs VXUS
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DFIS or VXUS?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFIS led over 1Y and 3Y, VXUS over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | DFIS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $5.7B | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.38% |
| Holdings | 6,965 | 9,293 |
| YTD Return | +5.31% | +6.50%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.65%Best | +12.09% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.39%Best | +18.15% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +7.38% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -24.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.6 years | $15,149 | $15,451Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | 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 4.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 24, 2022 to Nov 6, 2026 (4.6 years).
DFIS 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 4.6 years both funds cover.
DFIS vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFIS returned +13.65% while VXUS returned +12.09%. Year to date, DFIS is up 5.31% versus a gain of 6.50% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFIS compounded at +19.39% per year against +18.15% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 15.4% 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 -27.2% for DFIS 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIS charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFIS currently yields 2.23% against 2.38% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFIS 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, DFIS or VXUS?
DFIS has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $34 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFIS or VXUS?
Over the past year DFIS returned +13.65% vs +12.09% for VXUS, so DFIS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFIS or VXUS?
DFIS has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFIS -27.2% vs VXUS -24.1%.
Should I hold both DFIS and VXUS?
DFIS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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, DFIS or VXUS?
DFIS yields 2.23% while VXUS yields 2.38%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFIS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFIS led over 1Y and 3Y, VXUS over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.