DFUS vs VTI
DFUS vs VTI
Dimensional US Equity Market ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $20.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,264 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.98% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.32% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
DFUS vs VTI Performance
Dimensional US Equity Market ETF (DFUS) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFUS returned +24.32% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, DFUS is up 13.98% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, DFUS compounded at +21.17% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFUS has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -24.6% for DFUS 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
DFUS charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFUS currently yields 0.86% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFUS and VTI share 1742 holdings out of 3272 unique holdings combined, representing a 87.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFUS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.59% | 6.32% | 0.27% |
| AAPL | 6.46% | 5.84% | 0.62% |
| MSFT | 4.16% | 3.81% | 0.35% |
| 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 DFUS 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, DFUS or VTI?
DFUS has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFUS or VTI?
Over the past year DFUS returned +24.32% vs +24.07% for VTI, so DFUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFUS annualized +13.61% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFUS or VTI?
DFUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DFUS -24.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFUS and VTI?
DFUS 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 DFUS and VTI?
DFUS and VTI share 1742 common holdings with a 87.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3272 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFUS or VTI?
DFUS yields 0.86% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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