BAR vs VYM
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.26% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.59% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.99% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.06% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BAR vs VYM Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BAR is up 0.26% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +30.99% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.06% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +14.09% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -26.3% for BAR and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAR charges 0.17% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $4 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAR currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAR or VYM?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAR or VYM?
Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% vs +26.12% for VYM, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +14.09% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAR or VYM?
BAR has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BAR and VYM?
BAR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAR or VYM?
BAR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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