GSG vs VXUS
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $927M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +34.76% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.86% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.09% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.97% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GSG vs VXUS Performance
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSG returned +39.86% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GSG is up 34.76% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GSG compounded at +13.09% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.97% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -4.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -89.6% for GSG 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSG charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSG currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GSG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7864 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 VXUS?
GSG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSG or VXUS?
Over the past year GSG returned +39.86% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GSG annualized -4.34% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSG or VXUS?
GSG has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GSG -89.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GSG and VXUS?
GSG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSG and VXUS?
GSG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSG or VXUS?
GSG yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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