DNOV vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDNOVVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.05%
AUM$395M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings48,747
YTD Return+6.84%+14.57%
1Y Return+15.08%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.53%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.42%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)7.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-15.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 18, 2019Jan 26, 2011

DNOV vs VXUS Performance

FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DNOV returned +15.08% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DNOV is up 6.84% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, DNOV compounded at +12.53% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.42% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, DNOV has the edge at +8.30% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 7.8% for DNOV. 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 -15.0% for DNOV 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DNOV 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, DNOV currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DNOV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, DNOV or VXUS?

DNOV has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DNOV or VXUS?

Over the past year DNOV returned +15.08% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DNOV annualized +8.30% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DNOV or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.8% for DNOV. Worst drawdown: DNOV -15.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both DNOV and VXUS?

DNOV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DNOV and VXUS?

DNOV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DNOV or VXUS?

DNOV yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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