GEM vs VXUS
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GEM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 777 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.02% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.93% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.18% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.46% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GEM vs VXUS Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) 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 GEM returned +34.93% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GEM is up 18.02% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GEM compounded at +20.18% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.46% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GEM has the edge at +9.10% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -37.0% for GEM 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GEM charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEM currently yields 1.87% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GEM and VXUS share 528 holdings out of 8055 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GEM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000660:KR | 5.41% | 0.90% | 4.51% |
| 0700:KY | 2.82% | 0.92% | 1.90% |
| 9988:HK | 1.45% | 0.73% | 0.72% |
| 2454:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2308:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 009150:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PDD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GEM or VXUS?
GEM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GEM or VXUS?
Over the past year GEM returned +34.93% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so GEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GEM annualized +9.10% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GEM or VXUS?
GEM has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GEM -37.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GEM and VXUS?
GEM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GEM and VXUS?
GEM and VXUS share 528 common holdings with a 13.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8055 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GEM or VXUS?
GEM yields 1.87% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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