SGDJ vs VTI
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SGDJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGDJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $341M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.07% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +103.88% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +65.14% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.91% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
SGDJ vs VTI Performance
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGDJ returned +103.88% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SGDJ is up 21.07% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SGDJ compounded at +65.14% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +25.91% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SGDJ has the edge at +16.46% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -59.3% for SGDJ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGDJ charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGDJ currently yields 9.55% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SGDJ and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2816 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SGDJ | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IAU:CA | 2.86% | 0.00% | 2.86% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGDJ or VTI?
SGDJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGDJ or VTI?
Over the past year SGDJ returned +103.88% vs +22.35% for VTI, so SGDJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SGDJ annualized +16.46% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGDJ or VTI?
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SGDJ -59.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SGDJ and VTI?
SGDJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGDJ and VTI?
SGDJ and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2816 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGDJ or VTI?
SGDJ yields 9.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SGDJ 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.