DVOL vs VXUS
DVOL vs VXUS
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF 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 | DVOL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $74M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.58% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.53% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.29% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.67% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DVOL vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF (DVOL) 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 DVOL returned +9.53% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DVOL is up 7.58% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DVOL compounded at +14.29% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.67% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DVOL has the edge at +9.07% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -38.3% for DVOL 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVOL 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, DVOL currently yields 0.68% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DVOL and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7910 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DVOL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRM | 1.03% | 0.05% | 0.98% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DVOL or VXUS?
DVOL 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, DVOL or VXUS?
Over the past year DVOL returned +9.53% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DVOL annualized +9.07% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVOL or VXUS?
DVOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DVOL -38.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DVOL and VXUS?
DVOL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVOL and VXUS?
DVOL and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7910 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVOL or VXUS?
DVOL yields 0.68% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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