GTO vs VXUS
GTO vs VXUS
Invesco Total Return 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 | GTO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.80% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,621 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.25% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.12% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.82% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.24% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 10, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GTO vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Total Return Bond ETF (GTO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GTO returned +3.12% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, GTO is up 0.25% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, GTO compounded at +4.82% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.24% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +1.26%. 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 5.7% for GTO. 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 -21.1% for GTO 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GTO charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GTO currently yields 4.80% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GTO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 9116 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, GTO or VXUS?
GTO has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GTO or VXUS?
Over the past year GTO returned +3.12% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GTO annualized +1.26% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GTO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.7% for GTO. Worst drawdown: GTO -21.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GTO and VXUS?
GTO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GTO and VXUS?
GTO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9116 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GTO or VXUS?
GTO yields 4.80% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GTO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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