GDO vs VYM
GDO vs VYM
Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund Inc. 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 | GDO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $84M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.86% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 330 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -6.16% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.53% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.43% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.18% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GDO vs VYM Performance
Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund Inc. (GDO) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GDO returned -0.53% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, GDO is down 6.16% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, GDO compounded at +5.43% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.18% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs -0.63%. 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 12.7% for GDO. 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 -41.8% for GDO 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDO charges 1.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $120 vs $4 annually, a gap of $116 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDO currently yields 12.86% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GDO and VYM share 0 holdings out of 771 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDO or VYM?
GDO has an expense ratio of 1.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $116 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDO or VYM?
Over the past year GDO returned -0.53% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GDO annualized -0.63% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDO or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.7% for GDO. Worst drawdown: GDO -41.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GDO and VYM?
GDO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDO and VYM?
GDO and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 771 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDO or VYM?
GDO yields 12.86% while VYM yields 2.86%, so GDO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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