GCV vs VYM
GCV vs VYM
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $93M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.07% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.55% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.65% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.94% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.65% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 1995 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GCV vs VYM Performance
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund (GCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCV returned +33.65% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, GCV is up 17.55% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, GCV compounded at +16.94% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.65% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -0.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -70.9% for GCV 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCV charges 3.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $4 annually, a gap of $316 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCV currently yields 10.07% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GCV and VYM share 21 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GCV | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM:US | 0.11% | 3.36% | 3.25% |
| NEE | 2.52% | 0.86% | 1.66% |
| JNJ | 0.09% | 2.62% | 2.53% |
| MCHP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HPE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PFE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GCV shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCV or VYM?
GCV has an expense ratio of 3.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $316 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCV or VYM?
Over the past year GCV returned +33.65% vs +26.12% for VYM, so GCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GCV annualized -0.85% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCV or VYM?
GCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GCV -70.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GCV and VYM?
GCV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCV and VYM?
GCV and VYM share 21 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCV or VYM?
GCV yields 10.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so GCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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