GNR vs VTI
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GNR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GNR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 112 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +24.61% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.78% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
GNR vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GNR returned +42.78% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, GNR is up 24.61% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, GNR compounded at +16.44% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.34% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +4.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GNR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -60.6% for GNR and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GNR charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GNR currently yields 2.52% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GNR and VTI share 29 holdings out of 2849 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GNR or VTI?
GNR has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GNR or VTI?
Over the past year GNR returned +42.78% vs +21.39% for VTI, so GNR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GNR annualized +4.06% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GNR or VTI?
GNR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GNR -60.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GNR and VTI?
GNR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GNR and VTI?
GNR and VTI share 29 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2849 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GNR or VTI?
GNR yields 2.52% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GNR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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