GDE vs VYM
GDE vs VYM
WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. GDE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $431M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.89% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.80% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +42.53% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 17, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GDE vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDE returned +39.80% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, GDE is up 5.89% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, GDE compounded at +42.53% per year against +17.96% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, GDE has the edge at +27.48% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% 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 -32.0% for GDE 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDE charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDE currently yields 4.35% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GDE and VYM share 189 holdings out of 864 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GDE | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.60% | 6.47% | 3.87% |
| JPM | 1.18% | 3.36% | 2.18% |
| WMT | 1.43% | 2.44% | 1.01% |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GDE 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, GDE or VYM?
GDE has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDE or VYM?
Over the past year GDE returned +39.80% vs +26.05% for VYM, so GDE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GDE annualized +27.48% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDE or VYM?
GDE has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GDE -32.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GDE and VYM?
GDE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDE and VYM?
GDE and VYM share 189 common holdings with a 27.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDE or VYM?
GDE yields 4.35% while VYM yields 2.86%, so GDE 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.