GUNR vs. VXUS

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

GUNR (FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GUNR is a Natural Resources fund tracking the Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GUNR returned 10.26%/yr vs 9.35%/yr for VXUS. Their 0.78 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. GUNR charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

GUNR vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GUNR achieves a 15.47% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 11.16% return. Over the past 10 years, GUNR has outperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 10.26%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively lower 9.35% annualized return.

GUNR

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 6.07%
• 6M: 3.93%
• YTD: 15.47%
• 1Y: 29.81%
• 3Y*: 10.45%
• 5Y*: 11.05%
• 10Y*: 10.26%
• ALL TIME*: 6.58%

VXUS

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -1.97%
• 6M: 5.45%
• YTD: 11.16%
• 1Y: 21.77%
• 3Y*: 16.57%
• 5Y*: 8.43%
• 10Y*: 9.35%
• ALL TIME*: 6.46%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GUNR FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund	$10.72M	$19.11M	$19.24M
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	$386.57M	$447.19M	$513.76M

GUNR vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GUNR FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund	15.47%	30.03%	-8.37%	-2.40%	14.83%	26.06%	0.46%	18.41%	-9.42%	18.74%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	11.16%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between GUNR and VXUS is 0.54, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2011	0.78

Over the past year, the correlation between GUNR and VXUS has dropped to 0.54 - well below their long-term average of 0.78, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GUNR vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GUNR	VXUS
Basic Materials	52.3%	6.9%
Energy	29.2%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	11.8%	4.8%
Utilities	5.4%	2.9%
Communication Services	1.7%	3.8%
Real Estate	1.2%	2.0%
Technology	0.5%	23.0%
Industrials	0.5%	14.9%
Consumer Cyclical	0.4%	7.0%
Financial Services	0.0%	22.6%
Healthcare	-	6.7%

Return for Risk

GUNR vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GUNR

GUNR Risk / Return Rank: 74
GUNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
GUNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
GUNR Omega Ratio Rank: 77
GUNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
GUNR Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 56
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 60

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GUNR vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GUNR	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.30	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	1.84	+0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.24	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	1.92	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.17	7.12	+1.05

GUNR vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GUNR Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GUNR and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GUNR vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUNR drawdown since its inception was -45.64%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUNR and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUNR	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.64%	-35.97%	-9.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.70%	-11.27%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.59%	-13.58%	-6.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.06%	-29.44%	+5.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.04%	-35.97%	-7.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.61%	-4.20%	-1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.38%	-8.17%	-2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.64%	3.04%	+0.60%

Volatility

GUNR vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) is 3.48%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 4.58%. This indicates that GUNR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GUNR	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.48%	4.58%	-1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.16%	14.83%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.91%	16.66%	-0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.95%	16.31%	+2.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.31%	17.00%	+3.31%

GUNR vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUNR has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUNR vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

GUNR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, less than VXUS's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GUNR FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund	2.32%	2.81%	3.39%	3.55%	4.12%	3.61%	2.79%	3.25%	3.27%	2.00%	1.73%	4.50%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.62%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUNR and VXUS in my portfolio?

GUNR and VXUS have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GUNR or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (4.58%) compared to GUNR (3.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GUNR dropped -45.64% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, GUNR or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, GUNR leads with 10.26% vs 9.35% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, GUNR has been the lower-risk option at 3.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GUNR or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, GUNR has performed better with a 10.26% return vs 9.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GUNR or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for GUNR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GUNR or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.32% for GUNR.

What is the main difference between GUNR and VXUS?

GUNR is categorized as Natural Resources, while VXUS is Global Equities. GUNR tracks Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for GUNR and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GUNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.30), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.