BAR vs VXUS
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, BAR or VXUS?
Gold against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BAR led over 3Y, 5Y and 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 | BAR | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.4B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +0.16% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +18.39% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.78%Best | +19.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.69%Best | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4%Best | 15.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,563Best | $15,485 |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Gold | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 31, 2017 to Sep 17, 2026 (9 years).
BAR vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9 years both funds cover.
BAR vs VXUS Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is an ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAR returned +18.39% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, BAR is up 0.16% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +30.78% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.69% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +13.89% annualized vs +7.31%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 15.4% for BAR. 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 -26.3% for BAR and -39.9% 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 0.34. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAR charges 0.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $5 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAR currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BAR 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, BAR or VXUS?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $12 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BAR or VXUS?
Over the past year BAR returned +18.39% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +13.89% vs +7.31% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BAR or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.4% for BAR. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BAR and VXUS?
BAR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, 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, BAR or VXUS?
BAR yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than BAR?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BAR led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.