GAUG vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, GAUG or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
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 | GAUG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $388M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +6.92% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.53% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.73% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1%Best | 12.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $14,127 | $17,453Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 21, 2023 to Sep 17, 2026 (3.1 years).
GAUG 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
GAUG vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August (GAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GAUG returned +9.53% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, GAUG is up 6.92% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, GAUG compounded at +11.73% per year against +19.58% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.0% compared with 6.1% for GAUG. 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 -10.1% for GAUG and -13.6% 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAUG charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAUG currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GAUG 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, GAUG or VXUS?
GAUG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GAUG or VXUS?
Over the past year GAUG returned +9.53% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GAUG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.0% annualized versus 6.1% for GAUG. Worst drawdown: GAUG -10.1% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both GAUG and VXUS?
GAUG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, 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, GAUG or VXUS?
GAUG yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than GAUG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.