GDXJ vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GDXJ returned 12.00%/yr vs 10.72%/yr for VEA. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDXJ charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

GDXJ vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDXJ achieves a -8.37% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.73% return. Over the past 10 years, GDXJ has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 12.00%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 10.72% annualized return.

GDXJ

• 1D: 3.15%
• 1M: -10.41%
• YTD: -8.37%
• 6M: -6.68%
• 1Y: 49.74%
• 3Y*: 44.17%
• 5Y*: 16.23%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

VEA

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 31.41%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GDXJ vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-8.37%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.73%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXJ and VEA is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2009	0.35

The correlation between GDXJ and VEA shifts across timeframes, from 0.35 (all time) to 0.53 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GDXJ vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDXJ	VEA
Basic Materials	100.0%	7.5%
Communication Services	-	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.6%
Energy	-	5.4%
Financial Services	-	23.3%
Healthcare	-	8.2%
Industrials	-	19.2%
Real Estate	-	2.7%
Technology	-	13.8%
Utilities	-	3.3%

Return for Risk

GDXJ vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 28

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 62
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GDXJ vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GDXJ	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	1.81	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	2.50	-1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.33	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	2.58	-1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.55	9.92	-6.36

GDXJ vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXJ and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GDXJ vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXJ drawdown since its inception was -88.66%, which is greater than VEA's maximum drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXJ and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXJ	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.66%	-60.68%	-27.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.47%	-11.63%	-27.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.47%	-13.45%	-26.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.79%	-29.71%	-19.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-57.77%	-35.73%	-22.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.25%	-1.06%	-32.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-60.45%	-13.28%	-47.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.41%	3.02%	+11.39%

Volatility

GDXJ vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a higher volatility of 19.46% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 6.84%. This indicates that GDXJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXJ	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.46%	6.84%	+12.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.41%	14.38%	+29.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.54%	16.58%	+34.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.50%	16.72%	+24.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.23%	17.40%	+26.83%

GDXJ vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXJ has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXJ vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

GDXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.54%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXJ and VEA in my portfolio?

GDXJ and VEA have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDXJ or VEA?

GDXJ has higher volatility (19.46%) compared to VEA (6.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXJ dropped -88.66% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, GDXJ or VEA?

On 10-year performance, GDXJ leads with 12.00% vs 10.72% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXJ or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 12.00% return vs 10.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXJ or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GDXJ or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.54% for GDXJ.

What is the main difference between GDXJ and VEA?

GDXJ is categorized as Gold, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for GDXJ and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.00), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.