DNP vs VXUS
DNP Select Income Fund Inc. 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 | DNP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.77% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.7B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 131 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.31% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.18% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.66% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.36% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 1987 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DNP vs VXUS Performance
DNP Select Income Fund Inc. (DNP) is a ETF from Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DNP returned +20.18% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, DNP is up 15.31% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, DNP compounded at +11.66% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.36% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +2.05%. 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 DNP. 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 -54.8% for DNP 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DNP charges 1.77% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $177 vs $5 annually, a gap of $172 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DNP currently yields 8.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DNP and VXUS share 14 holdings out of 7977 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DNP or VXUS?
DNP has an expense ratio of 1.77% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $172 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DNP or VXUS?
Over the past year DNP returned +20.18% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DNP annualized +2.05% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DNP or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% for DNP. Worst drawdown: DNP -54.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DNP and VXUS?
DNP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DNP and VXUS?
DNP and VXUS share 14 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7977 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DNP or VXUS?
DNP yields 8.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so DNP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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