DIVY vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DIVY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: DIVYMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDIVYVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.05%
AUM$29M$156.5B
Dividend Yield3.11%2.60%
Holdings378,747
YTD Return+18.77%+14.19%
1Y Return+27.48%+27.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.15%+19.53%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.18%+9.03%
Volatility (annualized)15.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-18.3%-39.9%
Fund FamilySound Income StrategiesVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 30, 2020Jan 26, 2011

DIVY vs VXUS Performance

Sound Equity Dividend Income ETF (DIVY) is a ETF from Sound Income Strategies and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIVY returned +27.48% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, DIVY is up 18.77% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.

Over three years, DIVY compounded at +10.15% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DIVY has the edge at +12.28% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 DIVY. 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 -18.3% for DIVY 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DIVY charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVY currently yields 3.11% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.9%overlap

DIVY and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7894 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DIVYWeight in VXUSDifference
GSK:LN3.38%0.27%3.11%
TTE:PA3.07%0.33%2.74%
ENB:AQL2.70%0.26%2.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DIVY or VXUS?

DIVY has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DIVY or VXUS?

Over the past year DIVY returned +27.48% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so DIVY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DIVY annualized +12.28% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DIVY or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for DIVY. Worst drawdown: DIVY -18.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both DIVY and VXUS?

DIVY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DIVY and VXUS?

DIVY and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7894 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DIVY or VXUS?

DIVY yields 3.11% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DIVY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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