VEA vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEA returned 10.14%/yr vs 12.82%/yr for GDX. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

VEA vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEA achieves a 12.02% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -8.28% return. Over the past 10 years, VEA has underperformed GDX with an annualized return of 10.14%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.82% annualized return.

VEA

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 12.02%
• 6M: 14.95%
• 1Y: 28.06%
• 3Y*: 18.65%
• 5Y*: 9.09%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

GDX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -16.83%
• YTD: -8.28%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: 53.51%
• 3Y*: 37.89%
• 5Y*: 17.28%
• 10Y*: 12.82%

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

VEA vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	12.02%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-8.28%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and GDX is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.34

The correlation between VEA and GDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (all time) to 0.51 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VEA vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

VEA vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 56
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 58

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

VEA vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.

	VEA	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.16	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	1.58	+0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.22	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	1.68	+0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.39	4.32	+5.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEA vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA and GDX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VEA	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	1.16	+0.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.47	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	0.35	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.12	+0.12

Drawdowns

VEA vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-80.34%	+19.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-32.09%	+20.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-32.09%	+18.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-46.51%	+16.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-49.79%	+14.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.40%	-32.09%	+28.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.29%	-40.43%	+27.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	12.42%	-9.42%

Volatility

VEA vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is 6.03%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 16.05%. This indicates that VEA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEA	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.03%	16.05%	-10.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.91%	38.61%	-24.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.15%	46.36%	-30.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.63%	36.61%	-19.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	37.27%	-19.87%

VEA vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEA vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, more than GDX's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.80%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.69%	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 VEA and GDX in my portfolio?

VEA and GDX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEA or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (16.05%) compared to VEA (6.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or GDX?

On 10-year performance, GDX leads with 12.82% vs 10.14% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or GDX?

Over the 10-year period, GDX has performed better with a 12.82% return vs 10.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or GDX?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 0.80% for GDX.

What is the main difference between VEA and GDX?

VEA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while GDX is Gold. VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.16), 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.