GSG vs VTI
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $941M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +46.77% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.76% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.00% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.06% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
GSG vs VTI Performance
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSG returned +50.76% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GSG is up 46.77% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GSG compounded at +17.00% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +17.06% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -3.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% 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 -89.6% for GSG 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSG charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSG currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GSG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 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, GSG or VTI?
GSG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSG or VTI?
Over the past year GSG returned +50.76% vs +22.35% for VTI, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), GSG annualized -3.88% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSG or VTI?
GSG has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GSG -89.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GSG and VTI?
GSG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSG and VTI?
GSG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSG or VTI?
GSG yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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