GDXJ vs VTI
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GDXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDXJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.13% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.42% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.91% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.32% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
GDXJ vs VTI Performance
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GDXJ is up 17.13% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GDXJ compounded at +58.91% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +27.32% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% 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 15.3% 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 -88.7% for GDXJ 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDXJ charges 0.52% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GDXJ and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2896 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDXJ or VTI?
GDXJ has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDXJ or VTI?
Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% vs +22.35% for VTI, so GDXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GDXJ annualized +3.56% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDXJ or VTI?
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund at 42.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GDXJ -88.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GDXJ and VTI?
GDXJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDXJ and VTI?
GDXJ and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDXJ or VTI?
GDXJ yields 2.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GDXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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