GDFN vs VYM
Tema International Defense Innovation ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, GDFN or VYM?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 44.0%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDFN | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 32 | 613 |
| Top 10 Weight | 44.0% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | Tema Global Limited | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Volatility (annualized), Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window.
The two price series end 177 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. GDFN has data through Mar 30, 2026 and VYM through Sep 23, 2026.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDFN charges 0.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $4 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDFN currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
5.5% of GDFN's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.4% of VYM's money is in holdings GDFN also owns.
GDFN and VYM share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 212 days apart, GDFN as of Dec 31, 2025 and VYM as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
4 positions in common, counted across the 31 positions we hold weights for in GDFN and 557 in VYM, against full books of 32 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 524 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for GDFN (95.7% of the fund), and 7 for GDFN that do not appear in VYM (18.1%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GDFN and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDFN or VYM?
GDFN has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $64 a year on a $10,000 investment.
What is the holdings overlap between GDFN and VYM?
5.5% of GDFN's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.4% of VYM's is in holdings GDFN also owns. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 31 positions we hold weights for in GDFN and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDFN or VYM?
GDFN yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than GDFN?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 44.0%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.