VXUS vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXUS returned 10.22%/yr vs 12.00%/yr for GDXJ. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 13.69% return, which is significantly higher than GDXJ's -8.37% return. Over the past 10 years, VXUS has underperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 10.22%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively higher 12.00% annualized return.

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

GDXJ

• 1D: 3.15%
• 1M: -10.41%
• YTD: -8.37%
• 6M: -6.68%
• 1Y: 49.74%
• 3Y*: 44.17%
• 5Y*: 16.23%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

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

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-8.37%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and GDXJ is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.36

The correlation between VXUS and GDXJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.36 (all time) to 0.53 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	GDXJ
Financial Services	22.3%	-
Technology	18.1%	-
Industrials	16.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	-
Basic Materials	7.6%	100.0%
Healthcare	7.1%	-
Energy	5.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	-
Communication Services	4.4%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Real Estate	2.6%	-

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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.

	VXUS	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.00	+0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.45	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.20	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	1.30	+1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.72	3.55	+6.17

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is higher than the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and GDXJ, 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

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-88.66%	+52.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-39.47%	+28.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-39.47%	+25.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-48.79%	+19.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-57.77%	+21.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-33.25%	+31.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-60.45%	+52.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	14.41%	-11.48%

Volatility

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is 6.71%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 19.46%. This indicates that VXUS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.71%	19.46%	-12.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.02%	43.41%	-29.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.09%	51.54%	-35.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	41.50%	-25.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	44.23%	-27.03%

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXUS vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, more than GDXJ's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.54%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	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 VXUS and GDXJ in my portfolio?

VXUS and GDXJ have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXUS or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (19.46%) compared to VXUS (6.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or GDXJ?

On 10-year performance, GDXJ leads with 12.00% vs 10.22% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 6.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or GDXJ?

Over the 10-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 12.00% return vs 10.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or GDXJ?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for GDXJ.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.54% for GDXJ.

What is the main difference between VXUS and GDXJ?

VXUS is categorized as Global Equities, while GDXJ is Gold. VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.00), 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.