DFAU vs VXUS
DFAU vs VXUS
Dimensional US Core Equity Market 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,291 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.77% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.67% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.71% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DFAU vs VXUS Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAU returned +20.67% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, DFAU is up 10.77% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, DFAU compounded at +18.71% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DFAU has the edge at +15.16% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -23.6% for DFAU 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAU charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAU currently yields 0.91% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DFAU and VXUS share 20 holdings out of 9939 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 DFAU | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.31% | 0.00% | 0.31% |
| HBAN | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| SRE | 0.10% | 0.00% | 0.10% |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FRE:NZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JHX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FPH:NZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFAU shares with VXUS 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 VXUS?
DFAU has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAU or VXUS?
Over the past year DFAU returned +20.67% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAU annualized +15.16% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAU or VXUS?
DFAU has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DFAU -23.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DFAU and VXUS?
DFAU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAU and VXUS?
DFAU and VXUS share 20 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9939 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAU or VXUS?
DFAU yields 0.91% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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