OUNZ vs VTI
VanEck Merk Gold ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. OUNZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OUNZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.43% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.94% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.19% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.39% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
OUNZ vs VTI Performance
VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, OUNZ is up 6.43% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, OUNZ compounded at +34.19% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +20.39% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, OUNZ has the edge at +10.57% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -26.3% for OUNZ 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUNZ charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUNZ currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUNZ or VTI?
OUNZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OUNZ or VTI?
Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% vs +22.35% for VTI, so OUNZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), OUNZ annualized +10.57% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OUNZ or VTI?
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: OUNZ -26.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both OUNZ and VTI?
OUNZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUNZ or VTI?
OUNZ yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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