GSEU vs VXUS
GSEU vs VXUS
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity 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 | GSEU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $119M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 366 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.07% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.87% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.75% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.15% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GSEU vs VXUS Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (GSEU) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSEU returned +22.87% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GSEU is up 12.07% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GSEU compounded at +17.75% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.15% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, GSEU has the edge at +8.38% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -39.4% for GSEU 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEU charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSEU currently yields 2.79% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GSEU and VXUS share 253 holdings out of 7955 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GSEU | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 3.80% | 1.29% | 2.51% |
| NOVN:SM | 1.93% | 0.73% | 1.20% |
| HSBA:LN | 1.81% | 0.72% | 1.09% |
| AZN:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SHEL:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NESN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SAN:NZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TTE:PA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BBVA:MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBE:MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GSEU 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, GSEU or VXUS?
GSEU has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSEU or VXUS?
Over the past year GSEU returned +22.87% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), GSEU annualized +8.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEU or VXUS?
GSEU has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GSEU -39.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GSEU and VXUS?
GSEU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GSEU and VXUS?
GSEU and VXUS share 253 common holdings with a 22.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7955 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEU or VXUS?
GSEU yields 2.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GSEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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