DFSU vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDFSUVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.03%
AUM$2.3B$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.84%1.07%
Holdings1,8833,543
YTD Return+12.11%+13.57%
1Y Return+22.68%+24.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.39%+20.73%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.24%
Volatility (annualized)13.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-19.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyDimensionalVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 1, 2022May 24, 2001

DFSU vs VTI Performance

Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFSU returned +22.68% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, DFSU is up 12.11% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.

Over three years, DFSU compounded at +19.39% per year against +20.73% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSU has the edge at +20.76% annualized vs +8.12%. 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 13.9% for DFSU. 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 -19.9% for DFSU 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DFSU charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSU currently yields 0.84% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

64.6%overlap

DFSU and VTI share 1466 holdings out of 3189 unique holdings combined, representing a 64.6% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DFSUWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA6.46%6.32%0.14%
AAPL5.90%5.84%0.06%
MSFT2.29%3.81%1.52%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
METAProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGProProPro
LLYProProPro
TSLAProProPro
See all 10 holdings DFSU shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DFSU or VTI?

DFSU has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DFSU or VTI?

Over the past year DFSU returned +22.68% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSU annualized +20.76% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DFSU or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.9% for DFSU. Worst drawdown: DFSU -19.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both DFSU and VTI?

DFSU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 DFSU and VTI?

DFSU and VTI share 1466 common holdings with a 64.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3189 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DFSU or VTI?

DFSU yields 0.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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