GSSC vs VYM
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GSSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSSC offers more diversification with 1,422 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSSC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,422 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +18.98% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.17% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.76% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.72% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GSSC vs VYM Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) 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 GSSC returned +23.17% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, GSSC is up 18.98% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, GSSC compounded at +16.76% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.72% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GSSC has the edge at +9.91% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% compared with 14.5% 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 -42.5% for GSSC 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSSC charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSSC currently yields 1.05% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GSSC and VYM share 164 holdings out of 1670 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSSC or VYM?
GSSC has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSSC or VYM?
Over the past year GSSC returned +23.17% vs +21.39% for VYM, so GSSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSSC annualized +9.91% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSSC or VYM?
GSSC has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GSSC -42.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GSSC and VYM?
GSSC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSSC and VYM?
GSSC and VYM share 164 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1670 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSSC or VYM?
GSSC yields 1.05% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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