GLDN vs VXUS
Nicholas Gold Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, GLDN or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLDN | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $4M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 7.27% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 46 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -11.28% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | - | +22.44% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.44% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.82% |
| Fund Family | XFunds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 18, 2026 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Volatility (annualized), Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
GLDN vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
GLDN vs VXUS Performance
Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) is an ETF from XFunds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, GLDN is down 11.28% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLDN charges 1.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $5 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLDN currently yields 7.27% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 32.5% of GLDN's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 87.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
The two holdings books were reported 50 days apart, GLDN as of Aug 19, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
7 positions in common, counted across the 14 positions we hold weights for in GLDN and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 46 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GLDN | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQX:CAEquinox Gold Corp | 6.03% | 0.02% | 6.01% |
| SSRMSsr Mining Inc | 5.90% | 0.01% | 5.89% |
| FNV:CAFranco-Nevada Corp | 4.55% | 0.09% | 4.46% |
| B:CABarrick Mining Corp | 4.42% | 0.08% | 4.34% |
| ELD:CAEldorado Gold Corp | 4.15% | 0.02% | 4.13% |
| KGC:CAKinross Gold Corp | 3.96% | 0.06% | 3.90% |
| BTO:CAB2Gold Corp | 3.48% | 0.01% | 3.47% |
32.5% of GLDN is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLDN or VXUS?
GLDN has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $102 a year on a $10,000 investment.
What is the holdings overlap between GLDN and VXUS?
At least 32.5% of GLDN's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 14 positions we hold weights for in GLDN and 8,091 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLDN or VXUS?
GLDN yields 7.27% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so GLDN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than GLDN?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.