HF vs VXUS
DGA Core Plus Absolute Return ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HF or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HF led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HF | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.70% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $21M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 57 | 8,844 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3%Best | 12.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -4.3%Best | -9.7% |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $11,548Best | $11,417 |
| Fund Family | Days Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 671 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. HF has data through Dec 12, 2024 and VXUS through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 3, 2023 to Dec 12, 2024 (1.4 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.2% compared with 7.3% for HF. 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 -4.3% for HF and -9.7% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HF charges 1.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $170 vs $5 annually, a gap of $165 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HF currently yields 0.89% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 16 holdings in HF and 8,425 in VXUS, totalling 100.0% and 91.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 16 positions we hold weights for in HF and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 57 and 8,844.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HF and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HF or VXUS?
HF has an expense ratio of 1.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $165 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, HF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.2% annualized versus 7.3% for HF. Worst drawdown: HF -4.3% vs VXUS -9.7%.
Should I hold both HF and VXUS?
HF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HF or VXUS?
HF yields 0.89% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HF?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HF led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.