IGLD vs VXUS
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income 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 | IGLD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $547M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 21.43% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -7.47% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.22% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.24% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.37% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IGLD vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IGLD returned +13.22% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, IGLD is down 7.47% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, IGLD compounded at +20.24% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.37% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IGLD has the edge at +11.58% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.8% for IGLD. 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 -28.1% for IGLD 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGLD charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGLD currently yields 21.43% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGLD or VXUS?
IGLD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGLD or VXUS?
Over the past year IGLD returned +13.22% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IGLD annualized +11.58% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGLD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for IGLD. Worst drawdown: IGLD -28.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IGLD and VXUS?
IGLD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGLD or VXUS?
IGLD yields 21.43% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so IGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.