GSY vs VXUS
GSY vs VXUS
Invesco Ultra Short Duration 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.30% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.13% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.15% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.32% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.76% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.0% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GSY vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF (GSY) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSY returned +4.15% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, GSY is up 2.13% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, GSY compounded at +5.32% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.76% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +1.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 1.0% for GSY. 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 -12.1% for GSY 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSY charges 0.22% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $5 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSY currently yields 4.30% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GSY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8119 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSY or VXUS?
GSY has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSY or VXUS?
Over the past year GSY returned +4.15% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GSY annualized +1.07% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 1.0% for GSY. Worst drawdown: GSY -12.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GSY and VXUS?
GSY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSY and VXUS?
GSY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSY or VXUS?
GSY yields 4.30% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GSY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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