GYLD vs VXUS
Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield 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 | GYLD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $37M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.30% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 155 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.26% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.46% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.69% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Arrow Investment Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GYLD vs VXUS Performance
Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD) is a ETF from Arrow Investment Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GYLD returned +14.46% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, GYLD is up 10.26% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, GYLD compounded at +14.69% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.58% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs -0.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -70.0% for GYLD 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
GYLD charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GYLD currently yields 7.30% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GYLD and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 7963 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GYLD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADRO:ID | 0.96% | 0.00% | 0.96% |
| UNTR:ID | 0.95% | 0.01% | 0.94% |
| BBAJIOO:MX | 0.90% | 0.01% | 0.89% |
| T:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BBRI:ID | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMRI:ID | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GFNORTEO:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 0IKH:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASII:ID | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ITMG:ID | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GYLD or VXUS?
GYLD has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GYLD or VXUS?
Over the past year GYLD returned +14.46% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GYLD annualized -0.96% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GYLD or VXUS?
GYLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GYLD -70.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GYLD and VXUS?
GYLD 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 GYLD and VXUS?
GYLD and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7963 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GYLD or VXUS?
GYLD yields 7.30% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so GYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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