GXC vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P China ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. GXC offers more diversification with 1231 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GXC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $464M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,267 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -7.67% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.24% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.51% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.82% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GXC vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) 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 GXC returned +1.24% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, GXC is down 7.67% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, GXC compounded at +9.51% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.82% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +3.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -72.3% for GXC 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
GXC charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GXC currently yields 2.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GXC and VYM share 3 holdings out of 1786 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, GXC or VYM?
GXC has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GXC or VYM?
Over the past year GXC returned +1.24% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GXC annualized +3.43% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GXC or VYM?
GXC has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GXC -72.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GXC and VYM?
GXC 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 GXC and VYM?
GXC and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GXC or VYM?
GXC yields 2.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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