DVLU vs VXUS
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. DVLU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DVLU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $51M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.37% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.65% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.99% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DVLU vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DVLU returned +39.65% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, DVLU is up 17.37% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, DVLU compounded at +22.00% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.99% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DVLU has the edge at +11.09% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DVLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -53.3% for DVLU 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVLU charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DVLU currently yields 0.66% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DVLU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7919 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, DVLU or VXUS?
DVLU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DVLU or VXUS?
Over the past year DVLU returned +39.65% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so DVLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DVLU annualized +11.09% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVLU or VXUS?
DVLU has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DVLU -53.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DVLU and VXUS?
DVLU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVLU and VXUS?
DVLU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7919 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVLU or VXUS?
DVLU yields 0.66% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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