GDV vs VTI
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.64% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.94% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.46% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2003 | May 24, 2001 |
GDV vs VTI Performance
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDV returned +21.62% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, GDV is up 13.64% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, GDV compounded at +20.94% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.46% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +3.37%. 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 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 -73.3% for GDV 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 0.91. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GDV and VTI share 386 holdings out of 3080 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDV or VTI?
GDV has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDV or VTI?
Over the past year GDV returned +21.62% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), GDV annualized +3.37% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDV or VTI?
GDV has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GDV -73.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GDV and VTI?
GDV and VTI 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 VTI?
GDV and VTI share 386 common holdings with a 34.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3080 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDV or VTI?
GDV yields 5.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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