DFNL vs VXUS
Davis Select Financial 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFNL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $495M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.97% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.68% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.01% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Davis ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DFNL vs VXUS Performance
Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL) is a ETF from Davis ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFNL returned +19.68% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, DFNL is up 8.97% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFNL compounded at +25.01% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, DFNL has the edge at +12.58% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFNL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -44.5% for DFNL 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFNL charges 0.61% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $5 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFNL currently yields 1.29% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DFNL and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFNL or VXUS?
DFNL has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFNL or VXUS?
Over the past year DFNL returned +19.68% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DFNL annualized +12.58% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFNL or VXUS?
DFNL has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFNL -44.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DFNL and VXUS?
DFNL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFNL and VXUS?
DFNL and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFNL or VXUS?
DFNL yields 1.29% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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