GDXJ vs VXUS
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GDXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDXJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.96% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.22% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +52.39% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.48% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GDXJ vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDXJ returned +60.22% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, GDXJ is up 1.96% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, GDXJ compounded at +52.39% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +24.48% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +2.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.8% 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 -88.7% for GDXJ 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDXJ charges 0.52% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $5 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDXJ currently yields 2.77% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GDXJ and VXUS share 57 holdings out of 7926 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDXJ or VXUS?
GDXJ has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDXJ or VXUS?
Over the past year GDXJ returned +60.22% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so GDXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GDXJ annualized +2.71% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDXJ or VXUS?
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund at 41.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GDXJ -88.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GDXJ and VXUS?
GDXJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDXJ and VXUS?
GDXJ and VXUS share 57 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDXJ or VXUS?
GDXJ yields 2.77% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so GDXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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