OUNZ vs VXUS
VanEck Merk Gold ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, OUNZ or VXUS?
Gold against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. OUNZ led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OUNZ | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $2.5B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +0.24% | +14.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.30% | +22.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.18%Best | +20.00% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.12%Best | +8.91% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $23,984Best | $15,323 |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Gold | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 16, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 16, 2014 to Sep 11, 2026 (12.3 years).
OUNZ vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.3 years both funds cover.
OUNZ vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) is an ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUNZ returned +19.30% while VXUS returned +22.28%. Year to date, OUNZ is up 0.24% versus a gain of 14.48% for VXUS.
Over three years, OUNZ compounded at +31.18% per year against +20.00% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.12% and +8.91% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, OUNZ has the edge at +9.98% annualized vs +5.48%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 14.7% 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 -26.3% for OUNZ and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.28. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUNZ charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUNZ currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of OUNZ and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUNZ or VXUS?
OUNZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, OUNZ or VXUS?
Over the past year OUNZ returned +19.30% vs +22.28% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), OUNZ annualized +9.98% vs +5.48% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, OUNZ or VXUS?
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: OUNZ -26.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both OUNZ and VXUS?
OUNZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUNZ or VXUS?
OUNZ yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than OUNZ?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. OUNZ led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.