SGDJ vs VXUS
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SGDJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGDJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $341M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.55% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.83% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +83.63% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.99% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.21% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SGDJ vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGDJ returned +83.63% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, SGDJ is up 6.83% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, SGDJ compounded at +58.99% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +23.21% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SGDJ has the edge at +15.20% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.2% 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 -59.3% for SGDJ 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGDJ charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGDJ currently yields 9.55% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SGDJ and VXUS share 21 holdings out of 7878 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGDJ or VXUS?
SGDJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGDJ or VXUS?
Over the past year SGDJ returned +83.63% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so SGDJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SGDJ annualized +15.20% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGDJ or VXUS?
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund at 40.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SGDJ -59.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SGDJ and VXUS?
SGDJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGDJ and VXUS?
SGDJ and VXUS share 21 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGDJ or VXUS?
SGDJ yields 9.55% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SGDJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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