GGN vs IVV
GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resources & Income Trust vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GGN | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $992M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.70% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 221 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +11.91% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.04% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.42% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2005 | May 15, 2000 |
GGN vs IVV Performance
GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resources & Income Trust (GGN) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GGN returned +29.09% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, GGN is up 11.91% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, GGN compounded at +24.04% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +17.42% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs -3.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GGN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.9% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -94.2% for GGN and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GGN charges 1.40% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $3 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GGN currently yields 6.70% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GGN and IVV share 22 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GGN or IVV?
GGN has an expense ratio of 1.40% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GGN or IVV?
Over the past year GGN returned +29.09% vs +21.89% for IVV, so GGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), GGN annualized -3.68% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GGN or IVV?
GGN has been the more volatile fund at 26.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GGN -94.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GGN and IVV?
GGN and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GGN and IVV?
GGN and IVV share 22 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GGN or IVV?
GGN yields 6.70% while IVV yields 1.10%, so GGN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.