GCV vs VTI
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.30% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.12% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.98% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.54% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 1995 | May 24, 2001 |
GCV vs VTI Performance
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund (GCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCV returned +29.12% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GCV is up 15.30% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GCV compounded at +17.98% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.54% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -70.9% for GCV 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCV charges 3.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $3 annually, a gap of $317 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCV currently yields 10.84% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GCV and VTI share 30 holdings out of 2826 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCV or VTI?
GCV has an expense ratio of 3.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $317 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCV or VTI?
Over the past year GCV returned +29.12% vs +22.35% for VTI, so GCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), GCV annualized -0.91% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCV or VTI?
GCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GCV -70.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GCV and VTI?
GCV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCV and VTI?
GCV and VTI share 30 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2826 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCV or VTI?
GCV yields 10.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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