GDX vs VTI
VanEck Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $22.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.47% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +72.45% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +55.17% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.25% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
GDX vs VTI Performance
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDX returned +72.45% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, GDX is up 16.47% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, GDX compounded at +55.17% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +28.25% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +6.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.8% 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 -80.3% for GDX 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDX charges 0.51% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $3 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDX currently yields 0.86% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDX or VTI?
GDX has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDX or VTI?
Over the past year GDX returned +72.45% vs +21.39% for VTI, so GDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GDX annualized +6.00% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDX or VTI?
GDX has been the more volatile fund at 37.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GDX -80.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GDX and VTI?
GDX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDX and VTI?
GDX and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDX or VTI?
GDX yields 0.86% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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