RING vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RING delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RING | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.98% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.39% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +52.92% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RING vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RING returned +57.39% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, RING is up 4.98% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, RING compounded at +52.92% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +25.47% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RING has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.9% 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 -80.2% for RING 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RING charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RING currently yields 1.40% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RING and VXUS share 28 holdings out of 7876 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RING or VXUS?
RING has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RING or VXUS?
Over the past year RING returned +57.39% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so RING leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RING annualized +3.53% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RING or VXUS?
RING has been the more volatile fund at 37.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RING -80.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RING and VXUS?
RING and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RING and VXUS?
RING and VXUS share 28 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RING or VXUS?
RING yields 1.40% 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.