GSLC vs VYM
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Large Cap 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 | GSLC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $15.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 438 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.09% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.78% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.33% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.68% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GSLC vs VYM Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSLC returned +16.78% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, GSLC is up 11.09% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, GSLC compounded at +20.33% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.68% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GSLC has the edge at +13.27% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -33.7% for GSLC 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSLC charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSLC currently yields 0.95% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GSLC and VYM share 195 holdings out of 834 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSLC or VYM?
GSLC has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSLC or VYM?
Over the past year GSLC returned +16.78% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GSLC annualized +13.27% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSLC or VYM?
GSLC has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GSLC -33.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GSLC and VYM?
GSLC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSLC and VYM?
GSLC and VYM share 195 common holdings with a 29.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 834 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSLC or VYM?
GSLC yields 0.95% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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