GDX vs SPY
VanEck Gold Miners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $22.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.53% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +73.21% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +53.91% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.50% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GDX vs SPY Performance
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GDX returned +73.21% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, GDX is up 13.53% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, GDX compounded at +53.91% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +27.50% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -80.3% for GDX and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDX charges 0.51% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $9 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDX currently yields 0.86% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GDX and SPY share 1 holdings out of 562 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GDX | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEM | 10.48% | 0.16% | 10.32% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDX or SPY?
GDX has an expense ratio of 0.51% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDX or SPY?
Over the past year GDX returned +73.21% vs +21.53% for SPY, so GDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GDX annualized +5.86% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDX or SPY?
GDX has been the more volatile fund at 37.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GDX -80.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GDX and SPY?
GDX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDX and SPY?
GDX and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDX or SPY?
GDX yields 0.86% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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