GRX vs VXUS
GRX vs VXUS
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust 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 | GRX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $226M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.39% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.20% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.83% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.40% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GRX vs VXUS Performance
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust (GRX) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GRX returned +18.20% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GRX is up 6.39% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GRX compounded at +6.83% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.40% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GRX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -65.0% for GRX 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRX charges 3.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $5 annually, a gap of $295 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRX currently yields 6.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GRX and VXUS share 13 holdings out of 8023 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GRX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZN:LN | 2.21% | 0.71% | 1.50% |
| NESN:SM | 2.13% | 0.62% | 1.51% |
| 2801:JP | 1.31% | 0.02% | 1.29% |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2267:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2269:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2593:TK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2264:TK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 0345:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MFI:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GRX shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRX or VXUS?
GRX has an expense ratio of 3.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $295 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRX or VXUS?
Over the past year GRX returned +18.20% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GRX annualized +3.04% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRX or VXUS?
GRX has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GRX -65.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GRX and VXUS?
GRX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRX and VXUS?
GRX and VXUS share 13 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8023 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRX or VXUS?
GRX yields 6.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GRX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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