GWX vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. GWX offers more diversification with 2,076 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GWX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $924M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2,076 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.89% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.74% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.23% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.73% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GWX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GWX returned +22.74% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, GWX is up 12.89% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, GWX compounded at +18.23% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.73% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +2.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -64.8% for GWX 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GWX charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GWX currently yields 2.76% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GWX and VYM share 6 holdings out of 2624 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GWX or VYM?
GWX has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GWX or VYM?
Over the past year GWX returned +22.74% vs +22.16% for VYM, so GWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GWX annualized +2.02% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GWX or VYM?
GWX has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GWX -64.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GWX and VYM?
GWX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GWX and VYM?
GWX and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GWX or VYM?
GWX yields 2.76% while VYM yields 2.24%, so GWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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