GDXJ vs VYM
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GDXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDXJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.08% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +80.29% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.08% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.99% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GDXJ vs VYM Performance
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDXJ returned +80.29% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, GDXJ is up 14.08% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, GDXJ compounded at +58.08% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +27.99% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +3.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.4% 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 -88.7% for GDXJ 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDXJ charges 0.52% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $4 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDXJ currently yields 2.77% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GDXJ and VYM share 1 holdings out of 716 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 VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORA:CA | 0.75% | 0.01% | 0.74% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDXJ or VYM?
GDXJ has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDXJ or VYM?
Over the past year GDXJ returned +80.29% vs +22.16% for VYM, so GDXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GDXJ annualized +3.40% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDXJ or VYM?
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund at 42.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GDXJ -88.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GDXJ and VYM?
GDXJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDXJ and VYM?
GDXJ and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 716 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDXJ or VYM?
GDXJ yields 2.77% while VYM yields 2.24%, so GDXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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