DFVX vs VTI
Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, DFVX or VTI?
Each has led over a different period.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFVX led over 1Y, VTI over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. DFVX is less concentrated, with 32.4% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 33.3%.
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 | DFVX | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $537M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 319 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +14.13%Best | +12.08% |
| 1Y Return | +17.87%Best | +16.31% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.83% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.89% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3%Best | 12.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7%Best | -19.3% |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $17,207 | $18,357Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 32.4%Best | 33.3% |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 2, 2023 to Sep 14, 2026 (2.9 years).
DFVX vs VTI 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 2.9 years both funds cover.
DFVX vs VTI Performance
Dimensional US Large Cap Vector ETF (DFVX) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFVX returned +17.87% while VTI returned +16.31%. Year to date, DFVX is up 14.13% versus a gain of 12.08% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.1% compared with 11.3% for DFVX. 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 -16.7% for DFVX and -19.3% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFVX charges 0.19% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $3 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFVX currently yields 1.14% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
98.4% of DFVX's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 68.2% of VTI's money is in holdings DFVX also owns.
Most of DFVX is already inside VTI. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
310 positions in common, counted across the 321 positions we hold weights for in DFVX and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 319 and 3,543.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 847 positions for VTI that do not appear in our book for DFVX (29.4% of the fund), and 6 for DFVX that do not appear in VTI (0.7%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFVX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp | 6.14% | 4.79% | 1.35% |
| AMZNAmazon.Com Inc | 5.15% | 3.65% | 1.50% |
| NVDANvidia Corp | 1.04% | 6.40% | 5.36% |
| AAPLApple, Inc | 0.04% | 6.29% | 6.25% |
| METAMeta Platforms Inc | 4.09% | 1.70% | 2.39% |
| GOOGLAlphabet Inc,class A | 2.87% | 2.90% | 0.03% |
| GOOGAlphabet Inc | 2.88% | 2.31% | 0.57% |
| JPMJpmorgan Chase | 2.86% | 1.31% | 1.55% |
| MUMicron Technology Inc Mu Uw Equity Us Usd | 2.42% | 1.29% | 1.13% |
| XOMExxon Mobil Corp. | 2.19% | 0.89% | 1.30% |
98.4% of DFVX is already inside VTI.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFVX or VTI?
DFVX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $16 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFVX or VTI?
Over the past year DFVX returned +17.87% vs +16.31% for VTI, so DFVX leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFVX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 12.1% annualized versus 11.3% for DFVX. Worst drawdown: DFVX -16.7% vs VTI -19.3%.
Should I hold both DFVX and VTI?
DFVX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 DFVX and VTI?
98.4% of DFVX's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 68.2% of VTI's is in holdings DFVX also owns. They hold 310 positions in common, counted across the 321 positions we hold weights for in DFVX and 3,463 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFVX or VTI?
DFVX yields 1.14% while VTI yields 1.03%, so DFVX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than DFVX?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFVX led over 1Y, VTI over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. DFVX is less concentrated, with 32.4% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 33.3%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.