SGDM vs VXUS
Sprott Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SGDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGDM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $653M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.18% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.80% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.36% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +50.22% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.61% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SGDM vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGDM returned +56.36% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, SGDM is up 10.80% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, SGDM compounded at +50.22% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +24.61% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SGDM has the edge at +10.81% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDM 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 -55.0% for SGDM 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGDM charges 0.46% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $5 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGDM currently yields 1.18% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SGDM and VXUS share 29 holdings out of 7889 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGDM or VXUS?
SGDM has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGDM or VXUS?
Over the past year SGDM returned +56.36% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so SGDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SGDM annualized +10.81% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGDM or VXUS?
SGDM has been the more volatile fund at 37.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SGDM -55.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SGDM and VXUS?
SGDM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGDM and VXUS?
SGDM and VXUS share 29 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGDM or VXUS?
SGDM yields 1.18% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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