GLTR vs VYM
abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, GLTR or VYM?
Precious Metals against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GLTR led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLTR | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 5 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -4.14% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +29.81%Best | +15.34% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.48%Best | +17.22% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.19%Best | +12.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 12.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -55.7% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $23,062Best | $17,861 |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Precious Metals | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 22, 2010 to Sep 18, 2026 (15.9 years).
GLTR vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.9 years both funds cover.
GLTR vs VYM Performance
abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) is an ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GLTR returned +29.81% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, GLTR is down 4.14% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, GLTR compounded at +31.48% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +18.19% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.13% annualized vs +6.28%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% compared with 12.9% 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 -55.7% for GLTR and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.21. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLTR charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLTR currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GLTR and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLTR or VYM?
GLTR has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $56 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GLTR or VYM?
Over the past year GLTR returned +29.81% vs +15.34% for VYM, so GLTR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GLTR annualized +6.28% vs +10.13% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GLTR or VYM?
GLTR has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 12.9% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GLTR -55.7% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both GLTR and VYM?
GLTR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLTR or VYM?
GLTR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than GLTR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GLTR led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.