GWX vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GWX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $924M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,076 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.35% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.05% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.30% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GWX vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GWX returned +21.35% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, GWX is up 12.25% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, GWX compounded at +18.05% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.30% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +1.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -64.8% for GWX 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GWX charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GWX currently yields 2.76% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GWX and VXUS share 1328 holdings out of 8568 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GWX or VXUS?
GWX has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GWX or VXUS?
Over the past year GWX returned +21.35% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GWX annualized +1.99% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GWX or VXUS?
GWX has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GWX -64.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GWX and VXUS?
GWX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GWX and VXUS?
GWX and VXUS share 1328 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8568 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GWX or VXUS?
GWX yields 2.76% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so GWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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