GGN vs VOO
GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resources & Income Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. GGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GGN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $992M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.70% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 221 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.14% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.89% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.72% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.59% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GGN vs VOO Performance
GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resources & Income Trust (GGN) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GGN returned +27.89% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, GGN is up 10.14% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, GGN compounded at +23.72% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +17.59% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs -3.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GGN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GGN charges 1.40% per year while VOO 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 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GGN and VOO share 22 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GGN or VOO?
GGN has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GGN or VOO?
Over the past year GGN returned +27.89% vs +20.92% for VOO, so GGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GGN annualized -3.75% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GGN or VOO?
GGN has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GGN -94.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GGN and VOO?
GGN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GGN and VOO?
GGN and VOO share 22 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GGN or VOO?
GGN yields 6.70% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GGN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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