GUDB vs VYM

GUDB vs VYM

Which is better, GUDB or VYM?

Each has led over a different period.

VYM has a lower expense ratio. GUDB led over the full window, VYM over 1Y.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: split

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGUDBVYM
Expense Ratio0.35%0.04%Best
AUM$7M$78.9B
Dividend Yield7.52%2.37%
Holdings1608
Volatility (annualized)4.5%Best17.7%
Max Drawdown-14.6%Best-35.7%
$10,000 over 3.2 years$11,520Best$10,999
Fund FamilySageVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
Style-Large Cap Value
InceptionOct 31, 2017Nov 10, 2006

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 2117 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. GUDB has data through Dec 28, 2020 and VYM through Oct 15, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 31, 2017 to Dec 28, 2020 (3.2 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 4.5% for GUDB. 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 -14.6% for GUDB and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.50. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GUDB charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUDB currently yields 7.52% against 2.37% for VYM.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of GUDB and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

GUDBVYM

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GUDB or VYM?

GUDB has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, GUDB or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 4.5% for GUDB. Worst drawdown: GUDB -14.6% vs VYM -35.7%.

Should I hold both GUDB and VYM?

GUDB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, GUDB or VYM?

GUDB yields 7.52% while VYM yields 2.37%, so GUDB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VYM better than GUDB?

VYM has a lower expense ratio. GUDB led over the full window, VYM over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.