GSEP vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September 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 | GSEP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $350M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.40% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.69% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 15, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GSEP vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (GSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSEP returned +11.69% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, GSEP is up 7.40% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, GSEP compounded at +11.78% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, GSEP has the edge at +11.78% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.0% for GSEP. 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 -10.1% for GSEP 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEP charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSEP currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GSEP and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, GSEP or VXUS?
GSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSEP or VXUS?
Over the past year GSEP returned +11.69% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GSEP annualized +11.78% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEP or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.0% for GSEP. Worst drawdown: GSEP -10.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GSEP and VXUS?
GSEP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSEP and VXUS?
GSEP and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEP or VXUS?
GSEP yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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