GRX vs VTI
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $226M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.82% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.28% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.06% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.50% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
GRX vs VTI Performance
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust (GRX) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GRX returned +18.28% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, GRX is up 6.82% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, GRX compounded at +7.06% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.50% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +3.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GRX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -65.0% for GRX 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRX charges 3.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $3 annually, a gap of $297 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRX currently yields 6.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GRX and VTI share 121 holdings out of 2837 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRX or VTI?
GRX has an expense ratio of 3.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $297 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRX or VTI?
Over the past year GRX returned +18.28% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GRX annualized +3.06% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRX or VTI?
GRX has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GRX -65.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GRX and VTI?
GRX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRX and VTI?
GRX and VTI share 121 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2837 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRX or VTI?
GRX yields 6.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GRX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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