GDX vs VXUS
VanEck Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $22.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.95% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.06% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +48.97% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.22% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GDX vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDX returned +57.06% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, GDX is up 4.95% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, GDX compounded at +48.97% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +24.22% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, GDX has the edge at +5.46% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.4% 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 -80.3% for GDX 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
GDX charges 0.51% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $5 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDX currently yields 0.86% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GDX and VXUS share 46 holdings out of 7882 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDX or VXUS?
GDX has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDX or VXUS?
Over the past year GDX returned +57.06% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so GDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GDX annualized +5.46% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDX or VXUS?
GDX has been the more volatile fund at 37.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GDX -80.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GDX and VXUS?
GDX 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 GDX and VXUS?
GDX and VXUS share 46 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7882 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDX or VXUS?
GDX yields 0.86% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.