FGDL vs VXUS
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FGDL or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FGDL led over 3Y 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 | FGDL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $446M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 2 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -1.62% | +12.88%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.42% | +19.97%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.65%Best | +20.14% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.87% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -16.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.2 years | $23,419Best | $18,733 |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 30, 2022 to Sep 23, 2026 (4.2 years).
FGDL 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 4.2 years both funds cover.
FGDL vs VXUS Performance
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FGDL returned +13.42% while VXUS returned +19.97%. Year to date, FGDL is down 1.62% versus a gain of 12.88% for VXUS.
Over three years, FGDL compounded at +30.65% per year against +20.14% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, FGDL has the edge at +22.46% annualized vs +16.12%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGDL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% compared with 14.8% 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 -26.6% for FGDL and -16.2% 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 0.47. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGDL charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGDL currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FGDL 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, FGDL or VXUS?
FGDL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $10 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FGDL or VXUS?
Over the past year FGDL returned +13.42% vs +19.97% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FGDL annualized +22.46% vs +16.12% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FGDL or VXUS?
FGDL has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FGDL -26.6% vs VXUS -16.2%.
Should I hold both FGDL and VXUS?
FGDL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, 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, FGDL or VXUS?
FGDL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FGDL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FGDL led over 3Y 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.