DTF vs VXUS
DTF vs VXUS
DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term 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 | DTF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.27% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $84M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.24% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.30% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.53% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.69% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.52% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 1991 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DTF vs VXUS Performance
DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc (DTF) 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 DTF returned +5.53% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DTF is up 3.30% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DTF compounded at +5.69% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.52% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.34%. 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 10.2% for DTF. 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 -48.4% for DTF 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DTF charges 2.27% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $227 vs $5 annually, a gap of $222 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DTF currently yields 3.24% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DTF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7885 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, DTF or VXUS?
DTF has an expense ratio of 2.27% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $222 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DTF or VXUS?
Over the past year DTF returned +5.53% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DTF annualized -0.34% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DTF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.2% for DTF. Worst drawdown: DTF -48.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DTF and VXUS?
DTF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DTF and VXUS?
DTF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DTF or VXUS?
DTF yields 3.24% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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