DMXF ETF: What Is It? A Complete Guide to Returns, Fees, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
This ETF offers exposure to developed-market stocks outside the US that have passed strict ESG screening. Its main feature is one of the lowest fees in the industry.
SubscribeWhat Is This ETF?
It tracks the MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index and applies ESG screening criteria that are very strict by industry standards. It diversifies across leading developed-market companies that practice sustainable management.
It suits ESG investors who value ethical principles and want to invest in developed markets outside the US at a low fee.
It is a passively managed (index-tracking) ETF launched by BlackRock (iShares) in 2020.
How Does It Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened Index |
| Management Style | Passive (ESG screening) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Quarterly |
| Dividend Frequency | Semiannual |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.12% |
It gives priority to companies with high MSCI ESG ratings and fully excludes a broad range of controversial sectors from the portfolio, including fossil fuel exploration and extraction, weapons manufacturing, tobacco, and gambling. It uses a market-capitalization weighting method to replicate the performance of the developed-market index.
- Advanced ESG screening that is stricter than the industry standard
- A very low fee level among ESG-themed ETFs
Size and Costs
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $1.0B, and the total expense ratio is 0.12% per year.
It is distinguished by applying stricter exclusion criteria than ESGD or VSGX shown in the table, while still keeping a competitive fee.
Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeAmid the restructuring of global supply chains and tighter environmental regulation in Europe, interest in sustainability-themed assets continues. The fund maintains a stable trajectory, following the overall performance of the Japanese and European markets.
As ESG investing has gone mainstream, institutional money has flowed in steadily, and assets under management have grown to a meaningful level. It is a representative international equity product that absorbs demand for eco-friendly and responsible investing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Its strengths are strict adherence to ESG principles and low costs, but excluding certain sectors may cause the fund to diverge from the broader index.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alternative ETFs and Related Products
ESGD, shown in the table, uses a similar ESG strategy but with less stringent screening, while VSGX is a representative low-fee international ESG ETF managed by Vanguard. If you want to extend ESG criteria to the US market, SUSA or DSI could be good alternatives. If you want ESG exposure to emerging markets, ESGE is also worth considering.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ESGD | iShares Trust iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF | $102.72 | -0.8% | $11.9B | 0.20% | 3.33% | +8.9% |
 VSGX | Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF | $78.00 | -2.0% | $6.6B | 0.10% | 3.11% | +10.5% |
 ESGE | iShare Inc iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF | $49.44 | -2.8% | $6.4B | 0.25% | 2.29% | +10.4% |
 KLMN | Invesco MSCI North America Climate ETF | $31.02 | -1.7% | $2.5B | 0.09% | 1.17% | +10.9% |
 KLMT | Invesco MSCI Global Climate 500 ETF | $34.23 | -1.7% | $1.6B | 0.10% | 1.82% | +10.6% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASML | ASML Holding NV | 0.17% | $1565.90 | -6.5% | $603.5B | 38.6 | 0.66% |
| NVS | Novartis AG ADR | 0.08% | $160.79 | -0.2% | $294.3B | 30.7 | 2.7% |
| MUFG | Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc ADR | 0.06% | $21.56 | -1.7% | $242.7B | 14.1 | 2.94% |
 FLAO | AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Floor5 Apr/Oct ETF | 0.02% | $28.68 | -0.8% | $0.0M | - | - |
Investor Checkpoints
DMXF is a suitable choice for investors who value a balance between investment principles and profitability. Before making an investment decision, be sure to review the following key points carefully.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Fee Level | Confirm the lowest-tier cost within the same category | Very low |
| 🌱 ESG Intensity | Review the exclusion items in the Advanced screening | Very high |
| 🌍 Country Weightings | Check exposure to Japanese and European markets | Diversified |
| 📊 Index Performance | Check the return gap versus the parent index | Needs verification |
Investors should recognize that, because certain industries are excluded, performance may differ from a typical developed-market index depending on market conditions. Particular caution is needed when energy prices surge.
It is a useful product for investors who want to uphold ESG investing principles at a low cost. It has enough competitive strength to serve as one of the core assets for developed markets outside the US.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
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