DFSI vs VXUS
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DFSI or VXUS?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | DFSI | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.2B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.18% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 2,762 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +8.25% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.81% | +19.71%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.49% | +19.25%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.59% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 12.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.9 years | $20,302 | $20,507Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2008 | 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 15, 2026 (3.9 years).
DFSI 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.
DFSI vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFSI returned +13.81% while VXUS returned +19.71%. Year to date, DFSI is up 8.25% versus a gain of 12.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +18.49% per year against +19.25% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +20.22% annualized vs +19.91%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.2% compared with 12.8% 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 -12.8% for DFSI 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSI charges 0.24% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $5 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSI currently yields 2.18% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 58.2% of DFSI's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% 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.
1,413 positions in common, counted across the 2,738 positions we hold weights for in DFSI and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 2,762 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFSI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP:SMRoche Ps Par Ag | 1.26% | 0.69% | 0.57% |
| 5930:JPBunka Shutter Co Ltd | 0.01% | 1.80% | 1.79% |
| ASML:ASASML HOLDING NV | 0.06% | 1.42% | 1.36% |
| RY:CARoyal Bank Of Canada | 0.76% | 0.66% | 0.10% |
| 6098:JPRecruit Holdings Co. Ltd. Com Stk | 0.94% | 0.24% | 0.70% |
| AZN:LNAstraZeneca PLC | 0.61% | 0.57% | 0.04% |
| RR:LNRolls Royce Holdings Plc Common Stock Gbp.2 | 0.79% | 0.38% | 0.41% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Securities Inc | 0.22% | 0.82% | 0.60% |
| RD:CAThe Toronto-Dominion Bank | 0.52% | 0.45% | 0.07% |
| 6501:JPHitachi Ltd|159 | 0.53% | 0.32% | 0.21% |
58.2% of DFSI 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, DFSI or VXUS?
DFSI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $19 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFSI or VXUS?
Over the past year DFSI returned +13.81% vs +19.71% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +19.91% vs +20.22% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFSI or VXUS?
DFSI has been the more volatile fund at 13.2% annualized versus 12.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFSI -12.8% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both DFSI and VXUS?
DFSI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 DFSI and VXUS?
At least 58.2% of DFSI's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1,413 positions in common, counted across the 2,738 positions we hold weights for in DFSI and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSI or VXUS?
DFSI yields 2.18% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DFSI?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.