SGDJ vs VYM
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SGDJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGDJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $341M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.55% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +21.07% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +103.88% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +65.14% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.91% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SGDJ vs VYM Performance
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGDJ returned +103.88% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, SGDJ is up 21.07% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, SGDJ compounded at +65.14% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +25.91% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SGDJ has the edge at +16.46% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 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 -59.3% for SGDJ 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGDJ charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGDJ currently yields 9.55% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SGDJ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 633 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, SGDJ or VYM?
SGDJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGDJ or VYM?
Over the past year SGDJ returned +103.88% vs +23.24% for VYM, so SGDJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SGDJ annualized +16.46% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGDJ or VYM?
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SGDJ -59.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SGDJ and VYM?
SGDJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGDJ and VYM?
SGDJ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 633 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGDJ or VYM?
SGDJ yields 9.55% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SGDJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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