GCAD vs VYM
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
GCAD has a lower expense ratio. GCAD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCAD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $48M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.81% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.28% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.14% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GCAD vs VYM Performance
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund (GCAD) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCAD returned +33.28% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, GCAD is up 16.81% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, GCAD compounded at +34.14% per year against +19.07% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, GCAD has the edge at +28.45% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -16.1% for GCAD 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAD charges 0.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCAD currently yields 1.75% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GCAD and VYM share 7 holdings out of 647 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCAD or VYM?
GCAD has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. GCAD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAD or VYM?
Over the past year GCAD returned +33.28% vs +23.48% for VYM, so GCAD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GCAD annualized +28.45% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAD or VYM?
GCAD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GCAD -16.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GCAD and VYM?
GCAD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAD and VYM?
GCAD and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 647 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAD or VYM?
GCAD yields 1.75% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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