DFSE vs VXUS
Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DFSE or VXUS?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFSE led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
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 | DFSE | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.41% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $646M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1,875 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +15.14%Best | +13.35% |
| 1Y Return | +21.11% | +22.44%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.05% | +19.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.82% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 12.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -19.8% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.9 years | $20,822Best | $20,708 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 2, 2022 to Sep 10, 2026 (3.9 years).
DFSE 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 3.9 years both funds cover.
DFSE vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional Emerging Markets Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSE) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFSE returned +21.11% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, DFSE is up 15.14% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFSE compounded at +19.05% per year against +19.44% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSE has the edge at +20.69% annualized vs +20.52%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 12.7% 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 -19.8% for DFSE and -13.6% 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSE charges 0.41% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $5 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSE currently yields 1.86% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 50.3% of DFSE's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 87.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
1,781 positions in common, counted across the 3,640 positions we hold weights for in DFSE and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 1,875 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFSE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000660:KRSk Hynix | 3.92% | 2.17% | 1.75% |
| 9988:HKAlibaba Group Holding, Ltd. | 1.02% | 0.49% | 0.53% |
| 2454:TWMediatek Inc Common Stock TWD10.0 | 0.86% | 0.44% | 0.42% |
| 2317:TWHon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | 0.61% | 0.22% | 0.39% |
| 2308:TWDelta Electronics Inc | 0.43% | 0.27% | 0.16% |
| 2383:TWElite Material Co Ltd | 0.58% | 0.11% | 0.47% |
| 6223:TWMpi Corp | 0.53% | 0.04% | 0.49% |
| 9961:KYTrip.Com Group Limited | 0.43% | 0.05% | 0.38% |
| PDD:IEPdd Holdings Inc | 0.35% | 0.13% | 0.22% |
| SAN:MABanco Santander (Brasil) S.A. Sponsored Adr (1 Ads : 1 Ordinary) | 0.03% | 0.45% | 0.42% |
50.3% of DFSE 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFSE or VXUS?
DFSE has an expense ratio of 0.41% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFSE or VXUS?
Over the past year DFSE returned +21.11% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSE annualized +20.69% vs +20.52% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFSE or VXUS?
DFSE has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 12.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFSE -19.8% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both DFSE and VXUS?
DFSE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 DFSE and VXUS?
At least 50.3% of DFSE's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1,781 positions in common, counted across the 3,640 positions we hold weights for in DFSE and 8,091 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSE or VXUS?
DFSE yields 1.86% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFSE?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DFSE led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.