DHF vs VXUS
DHF vs VXUS
BNY Mellon High Yield Strategies Fund 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DHF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.71% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $194M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.75% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 318 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.60% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.05% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.72% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.01% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 1998 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DHF vs VXUS Performance
BNY Mellon High Yield Strategies Fund (DHF) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DHF returned +0.05% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DHF is down 0.60% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DHF compounded at +10.72% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.01% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DHF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -89.1% for DHF 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DHF charges 1.71% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $171 vs $5 annually, a gap of $166 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DHF currently yields 7.75% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DHF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8078 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DHF or VXUS?
DHF has an expense ratio of 1.71% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $166 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DHF or VXUS?
Over the past year DHF returned +0.05% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DHF annualized -4.80% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DHF or VXUS?
DHF has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DHF -89.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DHF and VXUS?
DHF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DHF and VXUS?
DHF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8078 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DHF or VXUS?
DHF yields 7.75% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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