GBAB vs VXUS
Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GBAB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.93% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $394M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.66% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 636 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.32% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.78% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.86% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.00% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GBAB vs VXUS Performance
Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust (GBAB) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GBAB returned +2.78% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, GBAB is up 1.32% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, GBAB compounded at +6.86% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.00% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.84%. 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 11.7% for GBAB. 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 -35.8% for GBAB 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GBAB charges 2.93% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $293 vs $5 annually, a gap of $288 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GBAB currently yields 10.66% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GBAB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8083 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, GBAB or VXUS?
GBAB has an expense ratio of 2.93% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $288 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GBAB or VXUS?
Over the past year GBAB returned +2.78% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GBAB annualized +0.84% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GBAB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.7% for GBAB. Worst drawdown: GBAB -35.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GBAB and VXUS?
GBAB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GBAB and VXUS?
GBAB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8083 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GBAB or VXUS?
GBAB yields 10.66% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so GBAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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