GII vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GII | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $927M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.67% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.72% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.25% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.45% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GII vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GII returned +11.25% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, GII is up 7.72% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, GII compounded at +16.45% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.46% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +2.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -53.6% for GII 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GII charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GII currently yields 2.67% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GII and VYM share 18 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GII or VYM?
GII has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GII or VYM?
Over the past year GII returned +11.25% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GII annualized +2.88% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GII or VYM?
GII has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GII -53.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GII and VYM?
GII and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GII and VYM?
GII and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 5.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GII or VYM?
GII yields 2.67% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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