SGDM vs VYM
Sprott Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SGDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGDM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $653M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.18% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +20.02% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +70.75% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +53.80% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.84% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SGDM vs VYM Performance
Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGDM returned +70.75% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, SGDM is up 20.02% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, SGDM compounded at +53.80% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +27.84% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SGDM has the edge at +11.54% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.5% 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 -55.0% for SGDM 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGDM charges 0.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $4 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGDM currently yields 1.18% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGDM or VYM?
SGDM has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGDM or VYM?
Over the past year SGDM returned +70.75% vs +22.16% for VYM, so SGDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SGDM annualized +11.54% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGDM or VYM?
SGDM has been the more volatile fund at 38.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SGDM -55.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SGDM and VYM?
SGDM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGDM and VYM?
SGDM and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGDM or VYM?
SGDM yields 1.18% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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