GDX vs VYM
VanEck Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $22.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.53% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +73.21% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +53.91% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.50% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GDX vs VYM Performance
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDX returned +73.21% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, GDX is up 13.53% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, GDX compounded at +53.91% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +27.50% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% 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 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 -80.3% for GDX 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDX charges 0.51% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $4 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDX currently yields 0.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDX or VYM?
GDX has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDX or VYM?
Over the past year GDX returned +73.21% vs +23.48% for VYM, so GDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GDX annualized +5.86% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDX or VYM?
GDX has been the more volatile fund at 37.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GDX -80.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GDX and VYM?
GDX and VYM 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 VYM?
GDX and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 660 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDX or VYM?
GDX yields 0.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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