GHYG vs VXUS
GHYG vs VXUS
iShares US & International High Yield Corp Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GHYG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $193M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.24% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,730 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.18% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.11% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.89% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.65% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GHYG vs VXUS Performance
iShares US & International High Yield Corp Bond ETF (GHYG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GHYG returned -0.11% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, GHYG is down 2.18% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, GHYG compounded at +6.89% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.65% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +4.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.0% for GHYG. 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 -52.4% for GHYG 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GHYG charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GHYG currently yields 6.24% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GHYG and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8640 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GHYG | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GHYG or VXUS?
GHYG has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GHYG or VXUS?
Over the past year GHYG returned -0.11% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GHYG annualized +4.21% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GHYG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.0% for GHYG. Worst drawdown: GHYG -52.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GHYG and VXUS?
GHYG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GHYG and VXUS?
GHYG and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8640 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GHYG or VXUS?
GHYG yields 6.24% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GHYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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