GDXJ vs IVV
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GDXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDXJ | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +17.13% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.42% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.91% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.32% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2009 | May 15, 2000 |
GDXJ vs IVV Performance
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a ETF from VanEck and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, GDXJ is up 17.13% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, GDXJ compounded at +58.91% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +27.32% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs +3.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.5% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -88.7% for GDXJ and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDXJ charges 0.52% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDXJ currently yields 2.77% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GDXJ and IVV share 1 holdings out of 618 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GDXJ | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNR | 0.12% | 0.02% | 0.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDXJ or IVV?
GDXJ has an expense ratio of 0.52% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDXJ or IVV?
Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% vs +21.89% for IVV, so GDXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GDXJ annualized +3.56% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDXJ or IVV?
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund at 42.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GDXJ -88.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GDXJ and IVV?
GDXJ and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDXJ and IVV?
GDXJ and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 618 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDXJ or IVV?
GDXJ yields 2.77% while IVV yields 1.10%, so GDXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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