DSM vs VXUS
DSM vs VXUS
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipal Bond 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $365M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 229 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.40% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.34% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.87% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.50% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 22, 1989 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DSM vs VXUS Performance
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipal Bond Fund Inc (DSM) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSM returned +10.34% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DSM is down 1.40% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DSM compounded at +6.87% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.50% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.65%. 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 12.8% for DSM. 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 -59.3% for DSM 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSM charges 1.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $5 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSM currently yields 4.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DSM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7992 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, DSM or VXUS?
DSM has an expense ratio of 1.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSM or VXUS?
Over the past year DSM returned +10.34% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DSM annualized -0.65% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.8% for DSM. Worst drawdown: DSM -59.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DSM and VXUS?
DSM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSM and VXUS?
DSM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7992 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSM or VXUS?
DSM yields 4.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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