GNR vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GNR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GNR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 115 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.32% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.21% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.29% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.08% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GNR vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) 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 GNR returned +38.21% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, GNR is up 20.32% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, GNR compounded at +14.29% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.08% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +3.83%. 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 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 -60.6% for GNR 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GNR 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, GNR currently yields 2.71% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GNR and VYM share 29 holdings out of 620 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GNR or VYM?
GNR 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, GNR or VYM?
Over the past year GNR returned +38.21% vs +25.03% for VYM, so GNR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GNR annualized +3.83% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GNR or VYM?
GNR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GNR -60.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GNR and VYM?
GNR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GNR and VYM?
GNR and VYM share 29 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 620 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GNR or VYM?
GNR yields 2.71% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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