GOAU vs VTI
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GOAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOAU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $195M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.31% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.90% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.79% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.02% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
GOAU vs VTI Performance
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GOAU returned +57.90% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GOAU is up 17.31% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GOAU compounded at +49.79% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +24.02% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GOAU has the edge at +18.51% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -52.9% for GOAU and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOAU charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOAU currently yields 1.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GOAU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2818 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, GOAU or VTI?
GOAU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOAU or VTI?
Over the past year GOAU returned +57.90% vs +22.35% for VTI, so GOAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GOAU annualized +18.51% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOAU or VTI?
GOAU has been the more volatile fund at 37.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GOAU -52.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GOAU and VTI?
GOAU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOAU and VTI?
GOAU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2818 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOAU or VTI?
GOAU yields 1.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GOAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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