GDIV vs VYM
GDIV vs VYM
Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDIV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $236M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.68% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GDIV vs VYM Performance
Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDIV returned +24.68% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, GDIV is up 14.45% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, GDIV compounded at +16.22% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, GDIV has the edge at +12.95% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.2% for GDIV. 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 -18.9% for GDIV 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDIV 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, GDIV currently yields 1.14% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GDIV and VYM share 29 holdings out of 580 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GDIV | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.72% | 6.47% | 3.75% |
| JNJ | 3.01% | 2.62% | 0.39% |
| WMT | 2.25% | 2.44% | 0.19% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NEE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TPR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GILD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GDIV 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, GDIV or VYM?
GDIV 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, GDIV or VYM?
Over the past year GDIV returned +24.68% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GDIV annualized +12.95% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDIV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.2% for GDIV. Worst drawdown: GDIV -18.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GDIV and VYM?
GDIV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GDIV and VYM?
GDIV and VYM share 29 common holdings with a 19.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDIV or VYM?
GDIV yields 1.14% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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