DSEP vs VXUS
DSEP vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSEP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $350M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.55% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.00% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.81% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.39% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DSEP vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP) 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 DSEP returned +12.00% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DSEP is up 7.55% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DSEP compounded at +11.81% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.39% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DSEP has the edge at +8.65% 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 7.1% for DSEP. 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 -11.8% for DSEP 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSEP 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, DSEP currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DSEP 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, DSEP or VXUS?
DSEP 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, DSEP or VXUS?
Over the past year DSEP returned +12.00% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DSEP annualized +8.65% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSEP or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.1% for DSEP. Worst drawdown: DSEP -11.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DSEP and VXUS?
DSEP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSEP and VXUS?
DSEP and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSEP or VXUS?
DSEP yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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