GCV vs VXUS
GCV vs VXUS
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $93M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.07% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.80% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.79% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.54% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.87% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 1995 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GCV vs VXUS Performance
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund (GCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCV returned +31.79% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, GCV is up 16.80% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GCV compounded at +16.54% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.87% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs -0.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -70.9% for GCV 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCV charges 3.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $5 annually, a gap of $315 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCV currently yields 10.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GCV and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7924 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GCV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCMN:SM | 0.20% | 0.05% | 0.15% |
| PERP:PA | 0.07% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
| AQN:CA | 0.09% | 0.01% | 0.08% |
| BAER:FF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RCOP:PA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings GCV shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCV or VXUS?
GCV has an expense ratio of 3.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $315 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCV or VXUS?
Over the past year GCV returned +31.79% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so GCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GCV annualized -0.87% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCV or VXUS?
GCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GCV -70.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GCV and VXUS?
GCV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCV and VXUS?
GCV and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7924 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCV or VXUS?
GCV yields 10.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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