SGOL vs VYM
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SGOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGOL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.82% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.23% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.69% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.84% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SGOL vs VYM Performance
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGOL returned +30.23% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SGOL is up 0.82% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, SGOL compounded at +31.69% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +19.84% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SGOL has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -45.5% for SGOL 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGOL charges 0.17% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $4 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGOL currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGOL or VYM?
SGOL has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGOL or VYM?
Over the past year SGOL returned +30.23% vs +26.05% for VYM, so SGOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SGOL annualized +8.86% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGOL or VYM?
SGOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SGOL -45.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SGOL and VYM?
SGOL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGOL or VYM?
SGOL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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