DIAL vs VXUS
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF 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 | DIAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $390M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 686 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.86% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.15% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.36% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DIAL vs VXUS Performance
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, DIAL is up 0.86% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, DIAL compounded at +6.15% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.36% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.21%. 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 7.4% for DIAL. 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 -22.2% for DIAL 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIAL charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIAL currently yields 5.12% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DIAL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8283 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, DIAL or VXUS?
DIAL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIAL or VXUS?
Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DIAL annualized +1.21% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIAL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.4% for DIAL. Worst drawdown: DIAL -22.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DIAL and VXUS?
DIAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIAL and VXUS?
DIAL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8283 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIAL or VXUS?
DIAL yields 5.12% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so DIAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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