DMCY vs VXUS
Democracy International Fund 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 | DMCY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.90% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.32% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.13% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Democracy Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DMCY vs VXUS Performance
Democracy International Fund (DMCY) is a ETF from Democracy Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DMCY returned +26.32% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, DMCY is up 4.90% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, DMCY compounded at +14.13% per year against +20.98% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, DMCY has the edge at +7.91% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 14.7% for DMCY. 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 -28.6% for DMCY 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMCY charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DMCY currently yields 2.94% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DMCY and VXUS share 125 holdings out of 7942 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DMCY or VXUS?
DMCY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DMCY or VXUS?
Over the past year DMCY returned +26.32% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DMCY annualized +7.91% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DMCY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% for DMCY. Worst drawdown: DMCY -28.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DMCY and VXUS?
DMCY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DMCY and VXUS?
DMCY and VXUS share 125 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7942 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMCY or VXUS?
DMCY yields 2.94% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so DMCY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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