DWX vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P International Dividend 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DWX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $530M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.11% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.80% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.62% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.81% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.72% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DWX vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P International Dividend ETF (DWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DWX returned +16.62% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, DWX is up 10.80% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, DWX compounded at +16.81% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.72% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -1.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -69.3% for DWX 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DWX charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWX currently yields 4.11% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DWX and VXUS share 70 holdings out of 7900 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DWX or VXUS?
DWX has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DWX or VXUS?
Over the past year DWX returned +16.62% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DWX annualized -1.06% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DWX or VXUS?
DWX has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DWX -69.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DWX and VXUS?
DWX and VXUS 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 DWX and VXUS?
DWX and VXUS share 70 common holdings with a 3.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DWX or VXUS?
DWX yields 4.11% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so DWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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