What does a large blend classification mean for DFUS and VTI?

A large blend classification means the funds hold a mix of growth and value stocks from large-cap companies. This approach aims to represent a broad segment of the market rather than a specific style. Both Dimensional US Equity Market ETF (DFUS) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) are categorised this way, reflecting their focus on large, established firms. The blend designation suggests investors in these funds are gaining exposure to a wide variety of market leaders, balancing between companies expected to grow rapidly and those considered undervalued.

How do expense ratios differ between DFUS and VTI?

The expense ratio is an annual fee deducted from fund assets. DFUS has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while VTI's is 0.03%. This creates a 0.06 percentage point difference. While small, these fees compound over time, potentially reducing investment value. Choosing a fund with a lower expense ratio means more of the investor's money remains invested. However, a higher expense ratio might also reflect different management styles or fund structures. It is crucial for investors to understand these costs as they directly impact net returns over the long term.

What is net asset value (NAV) in the context of these ETFs?

Net asset value (NAV) represents the total value of a fund's assets minus its liabilities, divided by shares outstanding. For DFUS, net assets are $21.3 billion, and for VTI, they are $692.2 billion. These figures indicate fund size and popularity. A larger NAV doesn't necessarily mean better performance but reflects significant investor participation. Size can impact liquidity and trading efficiency. VTI's substantial size provides highly efficient trading mechanisms, while DFUS is smaller but still a major fund. These figures help gauge market acceptance and scale of operations.

Which fund has a higher dividend yield and what does that imply?

VTI reports a dividend yield of 1.02%, compared to DFUS's 0.83%. This 0.19 percentage point difference indicates that VTI pays more in distributions relative to its share price. Higher yields can attract income-focused investors. Yield differences may stem from the underlying holdings' income-generating characteristics or management distribution policies. However, a higher yield isn't inherently better, as it depends on tax situations and total return goals. Investors should consider this factor alongside growth potential and fee structures when evaluating ETFs for their portfolios.

What are the implications of the top holdings concentration in DFUS and VTI?

Both funds are heavily weighted towards leading technology companies. For DFUS, NVDA comprises 7.17% of holdings, while AAPL and MSFT account for 6.89% and 5.25% respectively. In VTI, these weights are slightly lower at 6.87%, 6.30%, and 5.10%. This indicates a significant focus on top performers. The slight difference means DFUS has marginally higher concentration risk in its top holdings. Such concentration can amplify returns if these companies perform well but also increases vulnerability to sector-specific downturns affecting these large tech stocks.

Do DFUS and VTI hold the same top ten companies?

Yes, both Dimensional US Equity Market ETF and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF feature the same ten top holdings: NVDA, AAPL, MSFT, AMZN, GOOGL, GOOG, AVGO, META, MU, and TSLA. However, their weightings differ slightly. For example, in DFUS, NVDA holds 7.17% of assets, whereas in VTI, it is 6.87%. These minor variations reflect differences in the funds' underlying strategies and index composition methodologies. Despite different management styles, the commonality in top holdings underscores the dominance of large-cap tech firms in the current market landscape.

How does the inception date of each fund provide context for their track records?

DFUS was launched on September 25, 2001, while VTI began on May 24, 2001. VTI therefore has a slightly longer operational history by approximately four months. This means VTI was available for investment a little earlier, which may be marginally relevant when assessing long-term performance data. While this small difference doesn't significantly affect the current comparison, it is part of the fund's overall profile. Longer history generally provides more data points for analysis, though both funds have established track records spanning over two decades.

What are the implications of the large size difference between DFUS and VTI?

With $21.3 billion in assets versus VTI's $692.2 billion, there is a substantial size difference. VTI's larger asset base typically results in extremely high liquidity, tight bid-ask spreads, and efficient trading. While DFUS is also a large fund, its smaller size relative to VTI means it might have slightly lower trading volumes. Generally, larger funds offer more stability and liquidity but can face challenges in implementing certain strategies. Both sizes are well above thresholds that would concern most retail investors regarding liquidity and fund viability.

What is the difference in expense ratios and how does it affect long-term returns?

The 0.06 percentage point difference in expense ratios, with VTI at 0.03% and DFUS at 0.09%, may seem minimal but affects long-term returns. Over decades, lower fees compound, leading to noticeable differences in account value. For example, on a $10,000 investment, the 0.06% gap amounts to about $6 per year initially, but this grows with the portfolio size and time. However, other factors like tax efficiency, distribution policies, and tracking methods also influence net returns. This fee gap is one of several considerations in fund selection.

Does a higher dividend yield in VTI make it better for income investors?

VTI's 1.02% yield versus DFUS's 0.83% suggests a higher current income generation per dollar invested. For income-focused investors, this might make VTI marginally more attractive for cash flow purposes. However, yield differences don't account for capital appreciation potential. An income investor should look beyond just the yield and consider the sustainability of payments, tax treatment, and overall total return. Distributions vary depending on the income generated by holdings. Higher yield is only beneficial if the underlying assets provide stable cash flows, and it should be weighed against growth objectives.

How should investors interpret the top holding weights of NVDA in both funds?

In DFUS, NVDA represents 7.17% of holdings, while in VTI it accounts for 6.87%. These figures indicate significant exposure to a single leading semiconductor firm. The slightly higher concentration in DFUS means its performance is more sensitive to NVDA's stock movements compared to VTI. Investors should understand that while diversification exists across other holdings, these top tech firms can disproportionately influence results. Understanding such concentration is vital for assessing risk, as performance in these few companies can significantly impact the entire portfolio's trajectory.

DFUS vs VTI

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

DFUS and VTI both offer large blend exposure, with DFUS charging a 0.09% expense ratio and VTI 0.03%. This page compares their fees, top holdings, dividend yields, and how each fund tracks its market. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

DFUS

Metric

VTI

0.09%

Expense Ratio

0.03%

0.83%

Dividend Yield

1.02%

$21.30B

Net Assets

$692.20B

2,245

Holdings

3,514

Sep 25, 2001

Inception Date

May 24, 2001

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Index Tracked

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Large Blend

Fund Category

Large Blend

VTI costs about $6.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	DFUS	VTI
NVDANVIDIA Corporation	7.17%	6.87%
AAPLApple Inc.	6.89%	6.30%
MSFTMicrosoft Corporation	5.25%	5.10%
AMZNAmazon.com, Inc.	3.49%	3.41%
GOOGLAlphabet Inc.	2.86%	2.70%
GOOGAlphabet Inc.	2.35%	2.12%
AVGOBroadcom Inc.	2.29%	2.37%
METAMeta Platforms, Inc.	2.15%	1.70%
MUMicron Technology, Inc.	1.58%	1.46%
TSLATesla, Inc.	1.53%	1.40%

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Investment Analysis

DFUS

Pros

DFUS charges a low expense ratio of 0.09 per cent.
The fund has $21.3 billion in net assets.
It was launched on September 25, 2001, showing a long operating history.

Considerations

The dividend yield is lower at 0.83 per cent.
DFUS has a much smaller asset base than VTI.
Its top holding NVDA has a higher concentration weight of 7.17 per cent.

VTI

Pros

VTI charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03 per cent.
The fund has substantial net assets of $692.2 billion.
It was launched on May 24, 2001, with an even longer history.

Considerations

VTI's dividend yield is higher at 1.02 per cent, which may be a drawback for some.
The fund's large size may limit flexibility in certain markets.
Its top holding NVDA has a lower concentration weight of 6.87 per cent, but still high.

About DFUS and VTI

DFUS (DFUS)

The Dimensional US Equity Market ETF (DFUS) is designed to provide broad exposure to the U.S. equity market. With an inception date of 25 September 2001 and a current net asset value of approximately USD 21.30 billion, this Large Blend fund holds over 2,200 companies, offering significant diversification. It features a low expense ratio of 0.09%, making it a cost-effective option for investors seeking general market access. While the fund has a reported dividend yield of 0.83%, it is important to note that its primary goal is long-term capital growth through equity exposure. Investors should remember that stock market values can rise and fall, and returns are not guaranteed. This ETF serves as a tool for those looking to understand how broad market indices function within a portfolio. As with any investment, it is essential to consider your own financial situation and risk tolerance before proceeding.

VTI (VTI)

This ETF offers broad exposure to the US equity market by tracking a comprehensive index of publicly traded companies. Designed as a large blend fund, it holds thousands of individual stocks, ranging from massive multinational corporations to smaller domestic firms. With an ultra-low expense ratio of 0.03%, it aims to provide cost-efficient long-term growth potential. The fund has a dividend yield of approximately 1.02%, reflecting the aggregate distributions from its holdings. Investors often consider this vehicle for core portfolio diversification, though it is essential to remember that stock market investments carry inherent risks, and values can fluctuate. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and returns are not guaranteed.

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DFUS vs VTI

Fund Snapshot