DFSI vs VTI
DFSI vs VTI
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFSI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 334 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.60% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.56% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.83% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
DFSI vs VTI Performance
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFSI returned +20.56% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, DFSI is up 8.60% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +17.83% per year against +20.40% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSI has the edge at +20.70% 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 13.2% for DFSI. 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 -12.8% for DFSI 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSI charges 0.24% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSI currently yields 2.22% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFSI and VTI share 292 holdings out of 2822 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFSI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMZN | 3.13% | 3.17% | 0.04% |
| JPM | 4.60% | 1.11% | 3.49% |
| XOM | 4.05% | 0.78% | 3.27% |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFSI 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, DFSI or VTI?
DFSI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSI or VTI?
Over the past year DFSI returned +20.56% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +20.70% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for DFSI. Worst drawdown: DFSI -12.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFSI and VTI?
DFSI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFSI and VTI?
DFSI and VTI share 292 common holdings with a 29.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2822 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSI or VTI?
DFSI yields 2.22% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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