DFIV vs VXUS
Dimensional International Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DFIV or VXUS?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFIV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | DFIV | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $22.2B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 607 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +15.51%Best | +12.82% |
| 1Y Return | +27.65%Best | +19.86% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.44%Best | +19.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.61%Best | +9.46% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4%Best | -29.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $21,562Best | $15,714 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 16, 1999 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 13, 2021 to Sep 18, 2026 (5 years).
DFIV 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 5 years both funds cover.
DFIV vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFIV returned +27.65% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, DFIV is up 15.51% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFIV compounded at +23.44% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +16.61% and +9.46% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -25.4% for DFIV and -29.0% 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIV charges 0.27% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $5 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFIV currently yields 2.54% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 591 holdings in DFIV and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 92.7% 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, 375 positions appear in both.
375 positions in common, counted across the 591 positions we hold weights for in DFIV and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 607 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFIV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHELShell Plc | 3.18% | 0.57% | 2.61% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Securities Inc | 0.72% | 0.82% | 0.10% |
| RD:CAThe Toronto-Dominion Bank | 1.02% | 0.45% | 0.57% |
| ZURN:SMZurich Insurance Group Ag | 0.92% | 0.26% | 0.66% |
| LLOY:LNLloyds Banking Group Plc - Common | 0.97% | 0.20% | 0.77% |
| CFR:SMCompagnie Financiere Richemont SA Ordinary Shares | 0.80% | 0.28% | 0.52% |
| SU:CASuncor Energy Inc | 0.83% | 0.18% | 0.65% |
| ENI:MIEni S.P.A. Ord | 0.82% | 0.11% | 0.71% |
| UCG:MIUnicredit S.P.A. | 0.61% | 0.32% | 0.29% |
| SGO:PACompagnie De Saint-Gobain | 0.82% | 0.10% | 0.72% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFIV 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, DFIV or VXUS?
DFIV has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $22 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFIV or VXUS?
Over the past year DFIV returned +27.65% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so DFIV leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFIV or VXUS?
DFIV has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFIV -25.4% vs VXUS -29.0%.
Should I hold both DFIV and VXUS?
DFIV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFIV or VXUS?
DFIV yields 2.54% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so DFIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFIV?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFIV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.