GOAU vs VXUS
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GOAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOAU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $164M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.72% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.08% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +42.11% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.07% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GOAU vs VXUS Performance
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GOAU returned +43.08% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GOAU is up 4.72% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GOAU compounded at +42.11% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.07% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GOAU has the edge at +17.13% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.0% 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 -52.9% for GOAU 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOAU charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOAU currently yields 1.08% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GOAU and VXUS share 19 holdings out of 7871 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GOAU or VXUS?
GOAU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOAU or VXUS?
Over the past year GOAU returned +43.08% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so GOAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GOAU annualized +17.13% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOAU or VXUS?
GOAU has been the more volatile fund at 36.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GOAU -52.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GOAU and VXUS?
GOAU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOAU and VXUS?
GOAU and VXUS share 19 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOAU or VXUS?
GOAU yields 1.08% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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