GDV vs VYM
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDV offers more diversification with 715 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.99% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.17% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GDV vs VYM Performance
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDV returned +22.99% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, GDV is up 14.84% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, GDV compounded at +20.43% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.17% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% 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 14.6% 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 -73.3% for GDV 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 0.91. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $4 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDV currently yields 5.23% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GDV and VYM share 191 holdings out of 1091 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDV or VYM?
GDV has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDV or VYM?
Over the past year GDV returned +22.99% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GDV annualized +3.42% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDV or VYM?
GDV has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GDV -73.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GDV and VYM?
GDV and VYM 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 VYM?
GDV and VYM share 191 common holdings with a 28.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1091 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDV or VYM?
GDV yields 5.23% while VYM yields 2.24%, so GDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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