GEM vs VTI
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 777 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.16% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.67% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.20% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.31% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
GEM vs VTI Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GEM returned +34.67% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, GEM is up 17.16% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, GEM compounded at +20.20% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.31% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GEM has the edge at +9.02% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -37.0% for GEM 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GEM charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEM currently yields 1.87% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GEM and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3504 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 GEM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACI | 0.03% | 0.00% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GEM or VTI?
GEM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GEM or VTI?
Over the past year GEM returned +34.67% vs +23.62% for VTI, so GEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GEM annualized +9.02% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GEM or VTI?
GEM has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GEM -37.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GEM and VTI?
GEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GEM and VTI?
GEM and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GEM or VTI?
GEM yields 1.87% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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