DUSA vs VTI
Davis Select US Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUSA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.32% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.52% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.16% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Davis ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
DUSA vs VTI Performance
Davis Select US Equity ETF (DUSA) is a ETF from Davis ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DUSA returned +21.64% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, DUSA is up 11.32% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, DUSA compounded at +22.52% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.16% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, DUSA has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -36.7% for DUSA and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUSA charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUSA currently yields 0.85% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DUSA and VTI share 21 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUSA or VTI?
DUSA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUSA or VTI?
Over the past year DUSA returned +21.64% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DUSA annualized +12.81% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUSA or VTI?
DUSA has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DUSA -36.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DUSA and VTI?
DUSA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DUSA and VTI?
DUSA and VTI share 21 common holdings with a 11.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUSA or VTI?
DUSA yields 0.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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