DSU vs VXUS
DSU vs VXUS
Blackrock Debt Strategies 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 | DSU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.72% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $619M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,281 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.21% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.90% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.47% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.41% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 1998 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DSU vs VXUS Performance
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. (DSU) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSU returned +0.90% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DSU is down 0.21% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DSU compounded at +9.47% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.41% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -2.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -84.1% for DSU 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSU charges 1.72% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $172 vs $5 annually, a gap of $167 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSU currently yields 12.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DSU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8759 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, DSU or VXUS?
DSU has an expense ratio of 1.72% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $167 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSU or VXUS?
Over the past year DSU returned +0.90% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DSU annualized -2.23% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSU or VXUS?
DSU has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DSU -84.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DSU and VXUS?
DSU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSU and VXUS?
DSU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8759 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSU or VXUS?
DSU yields 12.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DSU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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