DFJ vs VXUS
WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund 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 | DFJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $382M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 804 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.73% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.55% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.87% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.36% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DFJ vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFJ returned +26.55% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DFJ is up 17.73% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFJ compounded at +20.87% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.36% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.3% for DFJ. 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 -46.7% for DFJ 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFJ charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFJ currently yields 2.65% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DFJ and VXUS share 576 holdings out of 8079 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFJ or VXUS?
DFJ has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFJ or VXUS?
Over the past year DFJ returned +26.55% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DFJ annualized +4.84% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFJ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.3% for DFJ. Worst drawdown: DFJ -46.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DFJ and VXUS?
DFJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFJ and VXUS?
DFJ and VXUS share 576 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8079 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFJ or VXUS?
DFJ yields 2.65% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DFJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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