GDXJ vs VOO
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. GDXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDXJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +17.13% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.42% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.91% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.32% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GDXJ vs VOO Performance
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, GDXJ is up 17.13% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, GDXJ compounded at +58.91% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +27.32% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GDXJ and VOO 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 VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNR | 0.12% | 0.02% | 0.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDXJ or VOO?
GDXJ has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDXJ or VOO?
Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% vs +21.87% for VOO, so GDXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GDXJ annualized +3.56% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDXJ or VOO?
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund at 42.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GDXJ -88.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GDXJ and VOO?
GDXJ and VOO 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 VOO?
GDXJ and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 618 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDXJ or VOO?
GDXJ yields 2.77% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GDXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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