GUNR vs VXUS
FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GUNR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUNR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 177 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.84% | +14.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.56% | +25.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.61% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.01% | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GUNR vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GUNR returned +37.56% while VXUS returned +25.40%. Year to date, GUNR is up 19.84% versus a gain of 14.26% for VXUS.
Over three years, GUNR compounded at +14.61% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.01% and +9.76% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, GUNR has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUNR 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 -49.7% for GUNR 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUNR charges 0.46% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $5 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUNR currently yields 2.33% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GUNR and VXUS share 74 holdings out of 7925 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUNR or VXUS?
GUNR has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUNR or VXUS?
Over the past year GUNR returned +37.56% vs +25.40% for VXUS, so GUNR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GUNR annualized +4.83% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUNR or VXUS?
GUNR has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GUNR -49.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GUNR and VXUS?
GUNR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUNR and VXUS?
GUNR and VXUS share 74 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7925 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUNR or VXUS?
GUNR yields 2.33% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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