GAL vs VXUS
GAL vs VXUS
State Street Global Allocation ETF 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 | GAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $303M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.38% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.28% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.49% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.10% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GAL vs VXUS Performance
State Street Global Allocation ETF (GAL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GAL returned +17.28% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GAL is up 9.38% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GAL compounded at +13.49% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.10% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, GAL has the edge at +5.65% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.0% for GAL. 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 -28.3% for GAL 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAL charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAL currently yields 3.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GAL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7880 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAL or VXUS?
GAL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAL or VXUS?
Over the past year GAL returned +17.28% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GAL annualized +5.65% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.0% for GAL. Worst drawdown: GAL -28.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GAL and VXUS?
GAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GAL and VXUS?
GAL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7880 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAL or VXUS?
GAL yields 3.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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