GBTC vs VXUS
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, GBTC or VXUS?
Single Currency against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GBTC led over 3Y, 5Y 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 | GBTC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $10.6B | $164.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | -6.70% | +11.16%Best |
| 1Y Return | -29.02% | +17.13%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.89%Best | +20.44% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.97%Best | +9.18% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 116.7% | 14.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -89.9% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,600Best | $15,514 |
| Fund Family | Grayscale | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Single Currency | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 4, 2015 to Oct 1, 2026 (11.4 years).
GBTC 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 is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
GBTC vs VXUS Performance
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) is an ETF from Grayscale and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GBTC returned -29.02% while VXUS returned +17.13%. Year to date, GBTC is down 6.70% versus a gain of 11.16% for VXUS.
Over three years, GBTC compounded at +49.89% per year against +20.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.97% and +9.18% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GBTC has the edge at +56.14% annualized vs +5.67%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GBTC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 116.7% compared with 14.9% 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 -89.9% for GBTC and -39.9% 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 0.19. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GBTC charges 1.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $5 annually, a gap of $145 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GBTC currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GBTC 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, GBTC or VXUS?
GBTC has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $145 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GBTC or VXUS?
Over the past year GBTC returned -29.02% vs +17.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GBTC annualized +56.14% vs +5.67% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GBTC or VXUS?
GBTC has been the more volatile fund at 116.7% annualized versus 14.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GBTC -89.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GBTC and VXUS?
GBTC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, 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, GBTC or VXUS?
GBTC yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than GBTC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GBTC led over 3Y, 5Y 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.