GDFN vs VXUS
Tema International Defense Innovation ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, GDFN or VXUS?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDFN | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 32 | 8,844 |
| Fund Family | Tema Global Limited | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Volatility (annualized), Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 198 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. GDFN has data through Mar 30, 2026 and VXUS through Oct 14, 2026.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDFN charges 0.68% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $5 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDFN currently yields 0.00% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 40.0% of GDFN's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 91.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
The two holdings books were reported 243 days apart, GDFN as of Dec 31, 2025 and VXUS as of Aug 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
11 positions in common, counted across the 31 positions we hold weights for in GDFN and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 32 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GDFN | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESLT:ILElbit Systems Ltd | 4.69% | 0.04% | 4.65% |
| HAG:DBHensoldt Ag | 4.27% | 0.01% | 4.26% |
| BAB:LNBabcock International Group Pl Common Stock GBP.6 | 4.11% | 0.01% | 4.10% |
| KOG:OSKongsberg Gruppen | 4.08% | 0.03% | 4.05% |
| IDR:MAIndra Sistemas Sa | 3.91% | 0.01% | 3.90% |
| QQ:LNQinetiq Group Plc | 3.80% | 0.01% | 3.79% |
| R3NK:SGRenk Group Ag | 3.73% | 0.01% | 3.72% |
| RR:LNRolls-Royce Holdings PLC Ord Gbp0.20 | 3.12% | 0.37% | 2.75% |
| MTX:SGMtu Aero Engines Ag | 3.06% | 0.05% | 3.01% |
| SAF:PASafran Sa | 2.64% | 0.29% | 2.35% |
40.0% of GDFN is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDFN or VXUS?
GDFN has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $63 a year on a $10,000 investment.
What is the holdings overlap between GDFN and VXUS?
At least 40.0% of GDFN's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 11 positions in common, counted across the 31 positions we hold weights for in GDFN and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDFN or VXUS?
GDFN yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than GDFN?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.