GXC vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P China 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GXC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $464M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,267 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -6.77% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.78% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.91% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.41% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GXC vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) 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 GXC returned +1.78% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GXC is down 6.77% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GXC compounded at +8.91% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.41% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -72.3% for GXC 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GXC charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GXC currently yields 2.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GXC and VXUS share 855 holdings out of 8237 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GXC or VXUS?
GXC has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GXC or VXUS?
Over the past year GXC returned +1.78% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GXC annualized +3.48% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GXC or VXUS?
GXC has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GXC -72.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GXC and VXUS?
GXC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GXC and VXUS?
GXC and VXUS share 855 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8237 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GXC or VXUS?
GXC yields 2.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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