MDLV vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMDLVVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.58%0.05%
AUM$43M$156.5B
Dividend Yield2.76%2.60%
Holdings388,747
YTD Return+10.67%+14.57%
1Y Return+16.62%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.13%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)10.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-16.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyMorgan DempseyVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 26, 2023Jan 26, 2011

MDLV vs VXUS Performance

Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) is a ETF from Morgan Dempsey and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDLV returned +16.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MDLV is up 10.67% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, MDLV compounded at +12.13% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, MDLV has the edge at +7.95% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 10.3% for MDLV. 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 -16.6% for MDLV 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MDLV charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDLV currently yields 2.76% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MDLV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 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, MDLV or VXUS?

MDLV has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MDLV or VXUS?

Over the past year MDLV returned +16.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MDLV annualized +7.95% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MDLV or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.3% for MDLV. Worst drawdown: MDLV -16.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MDLV and VXUS?

MDLV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MDLV and VXUS?

MDLV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MDLV or VXUS?

MDLV yields 2.76% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MDLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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