GSG vs VYM
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $927M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +41.40% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.47% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.04% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.49% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GSG vs VYM Performance
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSG returned +47.47% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, GSG is up 41.40% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, GSG compounded at +15.04% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +15.49% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -4.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -89.6% for GSG 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSG charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSG currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GSG and VYM share 0 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSG or VYM?
GSG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSG or VYM?
Over the past year GSG returned +47.47% vs +25.03% for VYM, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), GSG annualized -4.08% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSG or VYM?
GSG has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GSG -89.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GSG and VYM?
GSG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSG and VYM?
GSG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSG or VYM?
GSG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, 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.