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 3Y, VXUS over 1Y and 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 | $5.9B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 3,500 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +11.83% | +14.49%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.74% | +21.52%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.72%Best | +20.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.57% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -24.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $16,130 | $16,653Best |
| 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 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 24, 2022 to Sep 21, 2026 (4.5 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 4.5 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 +17.74% while VXUS returned +21.52%. Year to date, DFIS is up 11.83% versus a gain of 14.49% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFIS compounded at +20.72% per year against +20.55% 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 17.3% 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 1.90% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 74.0% of DFIS's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of DFIS is already inside VXUS. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
1,741 positions in common, counted across the 3,428 positions we hold weights for in DFIS and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 3,500 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFIS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5930:JPBunka Shutter Co Ltd | 0.02% | 1.80% | 1.78% |
| VACN:SMVat Group Ag Common Stock Chf 0.1 | 0.40% | 0.05% | 0.35% |
| DPM:CADpm Metals Inc | 0.38% | 0.02% | 0.36% |
| BAWG:ATBawag Group Ag Common Stock EUR | 0.34% | 0.04% | 0.30% |
| 4385:JPMercari Inc | 0.37% | 0.01% | 0.36% |
| TKAG:SGThyssenkrupp Ag | 0.34% | 0.02% | 0.32% |
| SSRMSsr Mining Inc | 0.35% | 0.01% | 0.34% |
| G1A:FFGea Group Ag | 0.31% | 0.02% | 0.29% |
| SPSN:SMSwiss Prime Site Ag | 0.30% | 0.03% | 0.27% |
| RXL:PARexel Sa | 0.30% | 0.02% | 0.28% |
74.0% of DFIS is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
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 +17.74% vs +21.52% 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, DFIS or VXUS?
DFIS has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% 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.
What is the holdings overlap between DFIS and VXUS?
At least 74.0% of DFIS's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1,741 positions in common, counted across the 3,428 positions we hold weights for in DFIS and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFIS or VXUS?
DFIS yields 1.90% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFIS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFIS led over 3Y, VXUS over 1Y and 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.