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 | +9.30% | +14.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | +15.49% | +22.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.88% | +20.00%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.91% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 12.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.9 years | $20,541 | $20,903Best |
| 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 11, 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 +15.49% while VXUS returned +22.28%. Year to date, DFSI is up 9.30% versus a gain of 14.48% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +18.88% per year against +20.00% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +20.81% annualized vs +20.27%.
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 12.7% 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 -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
We hold position weights for 2,729 holdings in DFSI and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 92.1% and 87.7% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 1,414 positions appear in both.
1,414 positions in common, counted across the 2,729 positions we hold weights for in DFSI and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 2,762 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFSI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5930:JPBunka Shutter Co Ltd | 0.01% | 2.27% | 2.26% |
| ASML:ASAsml Holding N.V. | 0.06% | 1.70% | 1.64% |
| RY:CARoyal Bank of Canada | 0.83% | 0.64% | 0.19% |
| AZN:LNAstrazeneca Plc | 0.77% | 0.62% | 0.15% |
| RR:LNRolls-Royce Holdings PLC | 0.76% | 0.36% | 0.40% |
| SCHN:PASchneider Electric Se | 0.69% | 0.39% | 0.30% |
| 8035:JPTokyo Electron Ltd. Com Stk | 0.61% | 0.47% | 0.14% |
| TD:CAToronto Dominion Bank/The | 0.56% | 0.45% | 0.11% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Holdings Plc | 0.21% | 0.72% | 0.51% |
| SAN:MABanco Santander S.a. | 0.47% | 0.45% | 0.02% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFSI and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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 +15.49% vs +22.28% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +20.27% vs +20.81% 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 12.7% 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.
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.