DVY vs VXUS
DVY vs VXUS
iShares Select Dividend ETF 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 | DVY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $23.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.37% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.69% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.30% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.50% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DVY vs VXUS Performance
iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DVY returned +22.30% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, DVY is up 14.69% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, DVY compounded at +15.50% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, DVY has the edge at +6.10% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.8% for DVY. 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 -65.2% for DVY 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVY charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DVY currently yields 3.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DVY and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7958 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DVY or VXUS?
DVY has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DVY or VXUS?
Over the past year DVY returned +22.30% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DVY annualized +6.10% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for DVY. Worst drawdown: DVY -65.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DVY and VXUS?
DVY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVY and VXUS?
DVY and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7958 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVY or VXUS?
DVY yields 3.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DVY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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