GCAD vs VTI
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
GCAD has a lower expense ratio. GCAD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCAD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $48M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.57% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.35% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.18% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
GCAD vs VTI Performance
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund (GCAD) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCAD returned +27.35% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GCAD is up 12.57% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GCAD compounded at +32.18% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, GCAD has the edge at +27.10% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -16.1% for GCAD and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAD charges 0.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCAD currently yields 1.75% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GCAD and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCAD or VTI?
GCAD has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. GCAD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAD or VTI?
Over the past year GCAD returned +27.35% vs +22.35% for VTI, so GCAD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GCAD annualized +27.10% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAD or VTI?
GCAD has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GCAD -16.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GCAD and VTI?
GCAD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAD and VTI?
GCAD and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAD or VTI?
GCAD yields 1.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GCAD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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