GNR vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GNR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GNR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 115 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.45% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.29% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.21% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GNR vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GNR returned +37.29% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GNR is up 18.45% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GNR compounded at +13.32% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.21% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GNR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -60.6% for GNR 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GNR charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GNR currently yields 2.71% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GNR and VXUS share 41 holdings out of 7911 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GNR or VXUS?
GNR has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GNR or VXUS?
Over the past year GNR returned +37.29% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so GNR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GNR annualized +3.73% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GNR or VXUS?
GNR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GNR -60.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GNR and VXUS?
GNR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GNR and VXUS?
GNR and VXUS share 41 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GNR or VXUS?
GNR yields 2.71% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GNR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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