GGOV vs VXUS
iShares Global Government Bond USD Hedged Active 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 | GGOV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.22% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 990 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.65% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.88% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GGOV vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global Government Bond USD Hedged Active ETF (GGOV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GGOV returned +2.88% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, GGOV is up 2.65% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.8% for GGOV. 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 -1.5% for GGOV 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GGOV charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GGOV currently yields 3.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GGOV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7914 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, GGOV or VXUS?
GGOV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GGOV or VXUS?
Over the past year GGOV returned +2.88% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), GGOV annualized +2.71% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GGOV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.8% for GGOV. Worst drawdown: GGOV -1.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GGOV and VXUS?
GGOV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GGOV and VXUS?
GGOV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7914 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GGOV or VXUS?
GGOV yields 3.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GGOV 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.