GWX vs VTI
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GWX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $924M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,076 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.35% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.50% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.41% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.49% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
GWX vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GWX returned +23.50% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GWX is up 13.35% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GWX compounded at +18.41% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.49% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +2.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -64.8% for GWX 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GWX charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GWX currently yields 2.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GWX and VTI share 8 holdings out of 4806 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, GWX or VTI?
GWX has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GWX or VTI?
Over the past year GWX returned +23.50% vs +22.35% for VTI, so GWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GWX annualized +2.04% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GWX or VTI?
GWX has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GWX -64.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GWX and VTI?
GWX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GWX and VTI?
GWX and VTI share 8 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GWX or VTI?
GWX yields 2.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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