GDV vs VXUS
Gabelli Dividend & Income 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 | GDV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.99% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.17% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GDV vs VXUS Performance
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDV returned +22.99% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, GDV is up 14.84% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, GDV compounded at +20.43% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.17% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -73.3% for GDV 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDV charges 1.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $5 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDV currently yields 5.23% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GDV and VXUS share 105 holdings out of 8443 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDV or VXUS?
GDV has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDV or VXUS?
Over the past year GDV returned +22.99% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GDV annualized +3.42% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDV or VXUS?
GDV has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GDV -73.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GDV and VXUS?
GDV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDV and VXUS?
GDV and VXUS share 105 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8443 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDV or VXUS?
GDV yields 5.23% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so GDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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