GDV vs VOO
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. GDV delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDV offers more diversification with 715 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.99% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.17% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GDV vs VOO Performance
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDV returned +22.99% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, GDV is up 14.84% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, GDV compounded at +20.43% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.17% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +3.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -73.3% for GDV and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDV charges 1.30% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $3 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDV currently yields 5.23% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GDV and VOO share 219 holdings out of 965 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDV or VOO?
GDV has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDV or VOO?
Over the past year GDV returned +22.99% vs +21.79% for VOO, so GDV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GDV annualized +3.42% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDV or VOO?
GDV has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GDV -73.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GDV and VOO?
GDV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GDV and VOO?
GDV and VOO share 219 common holdings with a 35.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 965 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDV or VOO?
GDV yields 5.23% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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