PHYS vs VXUS
PHYS vs VXUS
Sprott Physical Gold Trust 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 | PHYS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.78% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.04% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.00% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.12% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PHYS vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PHYS is down 0.78% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PHYS compounded at +30.00% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.12% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, PHYS has the edge at +7.78% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHYS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -48.2% for PHYS 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYS charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHYS currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHYS or VXUS?
PHYS has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYS or VXUS?
Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PHYS annualized +7.78% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYS or VXUS?
PHYS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PHYS -48.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PHYS and VXUS?
PHYS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYS or VXUS?
PHYS yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS 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.