BAR vs VXUS
BAR vs VXUS
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.26% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.59% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.99% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.06% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BAR vs VXUS Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BAR is up 0.26% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +30.99% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +20.06% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +14.09% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.60% for VXUS.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAR or VXUS?
Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +14.09% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAR or VXUS?
BAR has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAR or VXUS?
BAR yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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