GEM vs VYM
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. GEM offers more diversification with 722 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GEM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 777 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.02% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.93% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.18% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.46% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GEM vs VYM Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GEM returned +34.93% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, GEM is up 18.02% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, GEM compounded at +20.18% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.46% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GEM has the edge at +9.10% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 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 -37.0% for GEM 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GEM charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEM currently yields 1.87% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GEM and VYM share 5 holdings out of 1275 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GEM or VYM?
GEM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GEM or VYM?
Over the past year GEM returned +34.93% vs +26.12% for VYM, so GEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GEM annualized +9.10% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GEM or VYM?
GEM has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GEM -37.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GEM and VYM?
GEM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GEM and VYM?
GEM and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1275 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GEM or VYM?
GEM yields 1.87% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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