DFAU vs VTI
DFAU vs VTI
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,291 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.45% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.09% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
DFAU vs VTI Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAU returned +22.45% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, DFAU is up 12.22% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, DFAU compounded at +20.09% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.52% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DFAU has the edge at +15.40% annualized vs +8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for DFAU. 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 -23.6% for DFAU 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAU charges 0.12% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $3 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAU currently yields 0.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFAU and VTI share 1653 holdings out of 3229 unique holdings combined, representing a 81.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.61% | 6.32% | 0.29% |
| AAPL | 6.49% | 5.84% | 0.65% |
| MSFT | 4.26% | 3.81% | 0.45% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFAU shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAU or VTI?
DFAU has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAU or VTI?
Over the past year DFAU returned +22.45% vs +21.79% for VTI, so DFAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAU annualized +15.40% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for DFAU. Worst drawdown: DFAU -23.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFAU and VTI?
DFAU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 DFAU and VTI?
DFAU and VTI share 1653 common holdings with a 81.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3229 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAU or VTI?
DFAU yields 0.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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