GCAD vs VXUS
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
GCAD has a lower expense ratio. GCAD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCAD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $48M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.62% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.88% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.90% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GCAD vs VXUS Performance
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund (GCAD) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCAD returned +36.88% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, GCAD is up 21.62% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, GCAD compounded at +35.90% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, GCAD has the edge at +30.02% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 15.1% 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 -16.1% for GCAD 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAD charges 0.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCAD currently yields 1.75% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GCAD and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7915 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCAD or VXUS?
GCAD has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. GCAD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAD or VXUS?
Over the past year GCAD returned +36.88% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so GCAD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GCAD annualized +30.02% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAD or VXUS?
GCAD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GCAD -16.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GCAD and VXUS?
GCAD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAD and VXUS?
GCAD and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7915 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAD or VXUS?
GCAD yields 1.75% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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