GEMD vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGEMDVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.30%0.04%
AUM$36M$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.63%2.86%
Holdings195568
YTD Return-1.72%+15.80%
1Y Return+3.02%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+6.45%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)10.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-24.6%-58.8%
Fund FamilyGoldman Sachs Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 15, 2022Nov 10, 2006

GEMD vs VYM Performance

Goldman Sachs Access Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF (GEMD) 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 GEMD returned +3.02% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, GEMD is down 1.72% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, GEMD compounded at +6.45% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.1% for GEMD. 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 -24.6% for GEMD 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GEMD charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEMD currently yields 5.63% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

GEMD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 650 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, GEMD or VYM?

GEMD has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GEMD or VYM?

Over the past year GEMD returned +3.02% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GEMD annualized +1.11% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GEMD or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.1% for GEMD. Worst drawdown: GEMD -24.6% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both GEMD and VYM?

GEMD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GEMD and VYM?

GEMD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GEMD or VYM?

GEMD yields 5.63% while VYM yields 2.86%, so GEMD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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