GCAL vs VXUS
Goldman Sachs Dynamic California Municipal Income 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 | GCAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $173M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 324 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.28% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.16% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GCAL vs VXUS Performance
Goldman Sachs Dynamic California Municipal Income ETF (GCAL) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCAL returned +5.16% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GCAL is up 1.28% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.3% for GCAL. 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 -4.4% for GCAL 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAL charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCAL currently yields 3.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GCAL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7945 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, GCAL or VXUS?
GCAL has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAL or VXUS?
Over the past year GCAL returned +5.16% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GCAL annualized +3.59% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.3% for GCAL. Worst drawdown: GCAL -4.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GCAL and VXUS?
GCAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAL and VXUS?
GCAL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7945 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAL or VXUS?
GCAL yields 3.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GCAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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