r/Bogleheads•
Grunyarth

Is DFUS & VXUS better than DFAW?

Basically I want to approximate VT, but prefer the semi-active factor-based strategy of dimensional over a passive index. Breaking down the fees for each option I'm considering compared to VT:

  1. 100% DFAW - 0.24% fees (+0.18% over VT) - All semi-active.
  2. 65% DFUS, 35% VXUS - 0.09% fees (+0.03% over VT) - Semi-active for US, passive for Intl.
  3. 65% DFUS, 27% DFAI, 8% DFEM - 0.15% fees (+0.09% over VT) - All semi-active.

It seems like Option 2 is paying 1/6th of the factor-based fee premium (over VT's fee) for 2/3rds of the factor exposure relative to DFAW. Similarly, option 3 is 1/2 the fee premium for all the exposure.

Is there something I'm missing? Currently leaning towards DFUS & VXUS since the fee is so low, although also considering option 3.

Posted May 24, 2026, 12:11 AM UTC

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