SGOL vs VXUS
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, SGOL or VXUS?
Gold against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SGOL led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGOL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $7.4B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -1.48% | +12.44%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.34% | +20.21%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.48%Best | +19.97% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.40%Best | +8.99% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,267Best | $15,379 |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Gold | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 24, 2026 (15.7 years).
SGOL vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.7 years both funds cover.
SGOL vs VXUS Performance
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is an ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGOL returned +14.34% while VXUS returned +20.21%. Year to date, SGOL is down 1.48% versus a gain of 12.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, SGOL compounded at +30.48% per year against +19.97% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.40% and +8.99% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SGOL has the edge at +7.42% annualized vs +4.69%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 15.0% 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 -45.5% for SGOL and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.31. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGOL charges 0.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $5 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGOL currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SGOL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGOL or VXUS?
SGOL has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $12 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SGOL or VXUS?
Over the past year SGOL returned +14.34% vs +20.21% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SGOL annualized +7.42% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SGOL or VXUS?
SGOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SGOL -45.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SGOL and VXUS?
SGOL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGOL or VXUS?
SGOL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than SGOL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SGOL led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.