DGT vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DGT (State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both Global Equities funds - DGT tracks the The Global Dow while VXUS tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGT returned 14.09%/yr vs 9.76%/yr for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

DGT vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF (DGT) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGT achieves a 12.72% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 14.25% return. Over the past 10 years, DGT has outperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 14.09%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively lower 9.76% annualized return.

DGT

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 5.01%
• YTD: 12.72%
• 6M: 14.40%
• 1Y: 30.90%
• 3Y*: 22.91%
• 5Y*: 13.59%
• 10Y*: 14.09%

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DGT vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGT State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF	12.72%	30.04%	14.15%	20.95%	-8.00%	21.50%	9.67%	22.19%	-9.65%	24.87%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between DGT and VXUS is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2011	0.88

The correlation between DGT and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

DGT vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DGT	VXUS
Technology	17.7%	18.1%
Financial Services	17.1%	22.3%
Industrials	13.9%	16.1%
Healthcare	10.9%	7.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	5.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	8.4%
Energy	7.1%	5.2%
Basic Materials	7.1%	7.6%
Communication Services	6.0%	4.4%
Utilities	3.8%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.4%	2.6%

Return for Risk

DGT vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DGT

DGT Risk / Return Rank: 77
DGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
DGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
DGT Omega Ratio Rank: 79
DGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
DGT Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DGT vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF (DGT) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DGT	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.59	2.12	+0.48
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	2.90	+0.68
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.39	+0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	2.85	+0.85
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.02	11.14	+3.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGT vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGT Sharpe Ratio is 2.59, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGT and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DGT	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.59	2.12	+0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90	0.53	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	0.57	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.39	-0.09

Drawdowns

DGT vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGT drawdown since its inception was -55.36%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGT and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGT	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.36%	-35.97%	-19.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.38%	-11.27%	+2.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.67%	-13.58%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.18%	-29.44%	+4.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.40%	-35.97%	+1.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.99%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.83%	-8.22%	-5.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	2.88%	-0.82%

Volatility

DGT vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF (DGT) is 3.94%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that DGT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGT	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	5.60%	-1.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.54%	13.00%	-3.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.98%	15.21%	-3.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.16%	16.05%	-0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.95%	17.16%	-0.21%

DGT vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGT vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

DGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, less than VXUS's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGT State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF	2.52%	2.78%	2.83%	2.53%	3.15%	2.66%	1.97%	2.76%	2.50%	1.93%	2.31%	2.37%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGT and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DGT and VXUS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DGT or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to DGT (3.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGT dropped -55.36% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, DGT or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, DGT leads with 14.09% vs 9.76% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, DGT has been the lower-risk option at 3.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGT or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, DGT has performed better with a 14.09% return vs 9.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGT or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for DGT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGT or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 2.52% for DGT.

What is the main difference between DGT and VXUS?

DGT tracks The Global Dow, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for DGT and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.12), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.