DIA vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $46.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.09% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.49% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.96% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.56% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 1998 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DIA vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIA returned +21.49% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, DIA is up 12.09% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, DIA compounded at +16.96% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.56% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, DIA has the edge at +7.32% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 15.0% for DIA. 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 -53.8% for DIA and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIA charges 0.16% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $5 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIA currently yields 1.37% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DIA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7899 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, DIA or VXUS?
DIA has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIA or VXUS?
Over the past year DIA returned +21.49% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DIA annualized +7.32% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for DIA. Worst drawdown: DIA -53.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DIA and VXUS?
DIA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIA and VXUS?
DIA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIA or VXUS?
DIA yields 1.37% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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