DSL vs VXUS
DSL vs VXUS
DoubleLine Income Solutions 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 512 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.29% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.04% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.42% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | DoubleLine Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 26, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DSL vs VXUS Performance
DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (DSL) is a ETF from DoubleLine Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSL returned -1.04% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, DSL is up 2.29% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DSL compounded at +6.42% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs -1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -58.7% for DSL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSL charges 3.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $5 annually, a gap of $315 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSL currently yields 11.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DSL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 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, DSL or VXUS?
DSL has an expense ratio of 3.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $315 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSL or VXUS?
Over the past year DSL returned -1.04% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DSL annualized -1.88% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSL or VXUS?
DSL has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DSL -58.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DSL and VXUS?
DSL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSL and VXUS?
DSL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSL or VXUS?
DSL yields 11.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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