DLAG vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DLAG or VXUS?
Option Writing against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y.
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 | DLAG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $13M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +8.44% | +14.94%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.72% | +21.99%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.89% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.48% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7%Best | 13.9% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
DLAG 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 is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
DLAG vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August (DLAG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DLAG returned +10.72% while VXUS returned +21.99%. Year to date, DLAG is up 8.44% versus a gain of 14.94% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.9% compared with 5.7% for DLAG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
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
DLAG charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DLAG currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DLAG 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, DLAG or VXUS?
DLAG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DLAG or VXUS?
Over the past year DLAG returned +10.72% vs +21.99% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DLAG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 13.9% annualized versus 5.7% for DLAG.
Should I hold both DLAG and VXUS?
DLAG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLAG or VXUS?
DLAG yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DLAG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.