DMXF vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DMXF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DMXF returned 7.79%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DMXF charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

DMXF vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) 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, DMXF achieves a 14.88% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 16.04% return.

DMXF

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 4.03%
• YTD: 14.88%
• 6M: 14.42%
• 1Y: 24.45%
• 3Y*: 16.50%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 16.04%
• 6M: 16.58%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

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

DMXF vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	14.88%	22.07%	3.99%	20.52%	-19.25%	10.90%	22.80%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	16.04%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	23.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DMXF and VXUS is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2020	0.91

The correlation between DMXF and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

DMXF vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DMXF	VXUS
Financial Services	31.8%	21.7%
Technology	21.3%	21.0%
Industrials	14.8%	15.6%
Healthcare	9.2%	6.8%
Communication Services	6.9%	4.4%
Basic Materials	4.9%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.3%	8.2%
Real Estate	2.9%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	4.8%
Utilities	0.7%	3.0%
Energy	-	4.7%

Return for Risk

DMXF vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DMXF

DMXF Risk / Return Rank: 44
DMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
DMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 41
DMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
DMXF Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

DMXF vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DMXF	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	2.16	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.92	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.40	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	3.07	-1.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.75	11.84	-4.08

DMXF vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DMXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DMXF 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.

Drawdowns

DMXF vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DMXF drawdown since its inception was -34.52%, roughly equal to the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DMXF and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DMXF	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.52%	-35.97%	+1.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.84%	-11.27%	-0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.54%	-13.58%	-2.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.52%	-29.44%	-5.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.61%	-8.20%	+0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	2.92%	+0.24%

Volatility

DMXF vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (DMXF) is 5.58%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.28%. This indicates that DMXF 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

	DMXF	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.58%	6.28%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.14%	14.10%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	16.08%	+0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.79%	16.21%	+1.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.31%	17.18%	+0.13%

DMXF vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DMXF has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DMXF vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

DMXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than VXUS's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF	4.15%	4.85%	2.92%	2.29%	2.37%	1.91%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.51%	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 DMXF and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DMXF 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, DMXF or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.28%) compared to DMXF (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DMXF dropped -34.52% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, DMXF or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, VXUS leads with 9.22% vs 7.79% for DMXF. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, DMXF has been the lower-risk option at 5.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DMXF or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 9.22% return vs 7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DMXF or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for DMXF.

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

DMXF has the higher dividend yield at 4.15%, compared with 2.51% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between DMXF and VXUS?

DMXF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. DMXF tracks MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for DMXF and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.47), 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.