DFSB vs VTI
Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFSB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $725M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.32% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.57% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.09% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.89% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
DFSB vs VTI Performance
Dimensional Global Sustainability Fixed Income ETF (DFSB) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFSB returned +2.09% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DFSB is up 0.57% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, DFSB compounded at +4.89% per year against +21.17% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +4.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.6% for DFSB. 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 -5.2% for DFSB and -56.6% for VTI. 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
DFSB charges 0.24% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSB currently yields 4.32% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFSB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3165 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFSB or VTI?
DFSB has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSB or VTI?
Over the past year DFSB returned +2.09% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSB annualized +4.41% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.6% for DFSB. Worst drawdown: DFSB -5.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFSB and VTI?
DFSB and VTI 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 DFSB and VTI?
DFSB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3165 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSB or VTI?
DFSB yields 4.32% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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