SGOL vs VTI
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SGOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGOL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.46% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.00% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.53% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.29% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
SGOL vs VTI Performance
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGOL returned +35.00% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, SGOL is up 4.46% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, SGOL compounded at +33.53% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +20.29% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SGOL has the edge at +9.07% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -45.5% for SGOL and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGOL charges 0.17% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGOL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGOL or VTI?
SGOL has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGOL or VTI?
Over the past year SGOL returned +35.00% vs +21.39% for VTI, so SGOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SGOL annualized +9.07% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGOL or VTI?
SGOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SGOL -45.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SGOL and VTI?
SGOL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGOL or VTI?
SGOL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.