GQGU vs VYM
GQG US Equity 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GQGU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $642M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.01% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.05% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | GQG Partners LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GQGU vs VYM Performance
GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) is a ETF from GQG Partners LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GQGU returned +7.05% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, GQGU is up 9.01% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.4% for GQGU. 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 -8.4% for GQGU 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GQGU charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GQGU currently yields 0.96% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GQGU and VYM share 30 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GQGU or VYM?
GQGU has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GQGU or VYM?
Over the past year GQGU returned +7.05% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), GQGU annualized +7.06% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GQGU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.4% for GQGU. Worst drawdown: GQGU -8.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GQGU and VYM?
GQGU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GQGU and VYM?
GQGU and VYM share 30 common holdings with a 17.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GQGU or VYM?
GQGU yields 0.96% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.