DSI vs VXUS
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF 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 | DSI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 407 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.23% | +15.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +26.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.52% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +9.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DSI vs VXUS Performance
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF (DSI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSI returned +21.79% while VXUS returned +26.56%. Year to date, DSI is up 14.23% versus a gain of 15.77% for VXUS.
Over three years, DSI compounded at +21.52% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +9.53% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, DSI has the edge at +9.64% annualized vs +4.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -55.1% for DSI 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSI charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSI currently yields 0.88% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DSI and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8264 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSI or VXUS?
DSI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSI or VXUS?
Over the past year DSI returned +21.79% vs +26.56% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DSI annualized +9.64% vs +4.91% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSI or VXUS?
DSI has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DSI -55.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DSI and VXUS?
DSI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSI and VXUS?
DSI and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8264 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSI or VXUS?
DSI yields 0.88% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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