GAL vs VYM
State Street Global Allocation ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $303M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.16% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.94% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.72% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.96% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GAL vs VYM Performance
State Street Global Allocation ETF (GAL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GAL returned +16.94% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, GAL is up 9.16% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, GAL compounded at +13.72% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.96% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +5.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.0% for GAL. 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 -28.3% for GAL 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAL charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAL currently yields 3.21% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GAL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 577 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, GAL or VYM?
GAL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAL or VYM?
Over the past year GAL returned +16.94% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GAL annualized +5.63% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.0% for GAL. Worst drawdown: GAL -28.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GAL and VYM?
GAL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAL and VYM?
GAL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAL or VYM?
GAL yields 3.21% while VYM yields 2.86%, so GAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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