GUG vs VXUS
GUG vs VXUS
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund 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 | GUG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.22% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $539M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,262 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.47% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.10% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GUG vs VXUS Performance
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund (GUG) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GUG returned +9.10% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GUG is up 6.47% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GUG compounded at +13.27% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -32.8% for GUG 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUG charges 2.22% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $222 vs $5 annually, a gap of $217 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUG currently yields 8.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GUG and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8635 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, GUG or VXUS?
GUG has an expense ratio of 2.22% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $217 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUG or VXUS?
Over the past year GUG returned +9.10% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GUG annualized +3.72% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUG or VXUS?
GUG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GUG -32.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GUG and VXUS?
GUG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUG and VXUS?
GUG and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUG or VXUS?
GUG yields 8.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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