VOOG vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOOG returned 17.86%/yr vs 13.29%/yr for GDX. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VOOG charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

VOOG vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) 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, VOOG achieves a 9.67% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -6.69% return. Over the past 10 years, VOOG has outperformed GDX with an annualized return of 17.86%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.29% annualized return.

VOOG

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: -1.66%
• YTD: 9.67%
• 6M: 10.61%
• 1Y: 27.55%
• 3Y*: 25.78%
• 5Y*: 14.86%
• 10Y*: 17.86%

GDX

• 1D: 2.97%
• 1M: -16.83%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.89%
• 1Y: 50.59%
• 3Y*: 38.96%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

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

VOOG vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	9.67%	22.11%	35.89%	29.96%	-29.48%	31.95%	33.35%	30.93%	-0.21%	27.19%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-6.69%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between VOOG and GDX is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.19

The correlation between VOOG and GDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (10 years) to 0.36 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VOOG vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOOG	GDX
Technology	49.4%	-
Communication Services	18.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	-
Financial Services	8.8%	-
Industrials	6.2%	-
Healthcare	5.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	-
Real Estate	0.6%	-
Utilities	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	0.4%	100.0%
Energy	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

VOOG vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOOG

VOOG Risk / Return Rank: 52
VOOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 53

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 33
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

VOOG vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) 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.

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.

	VOOG	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.09	+0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	1.51	+0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.21	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	1.40	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.11	3.87	+4.24

VOOG vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOOG 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.

Drawdowns

VOOG vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOOG drawdown since its inception was -32.73%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOOG and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOOG	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.73%	-80.34%	+47.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-36.28%	+22.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.18%	-36.28%	+14.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.73%	-46.51%	+13.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.73%	-49.79%	+17.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.65%	-30.91%	+26.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-40.41%	+35.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	13.11%	-9.71%

Volatility

VOOG vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) is 6.29%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 17.20%. This indicates that VOOG 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

	VOOG	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	17.20%	-10.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.43%	39.15%	-25.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.60%	46.89%	-30.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.29%	36.74%	-15.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.78%	37.34%	-16.56%

VOOG vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOOG has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOOG vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

VOOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than GDX's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.79%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.45%	0.49%	0.49%	1.12%	0.93%	0.53%	0.88%	1.26%	1.34%	1.32%	1.47%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOOG and GDX in my portfolio?

VOOG and GDX have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOOG or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (17.20%) compared to VOOG (6.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOOG dropped -32.73% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, VOOG or GDX?

On 10-year performance, VOOG leads with 17.86% vs 13.29% for GDX. On fees, VOOG is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VOOG has been the lower-risk option at 6.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOOG or GDX?

Over the 10-year period, VOOG has performed better with a 17.86% return vs 13.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOOG or GDX?

VOOG is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

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

GDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.45% for VOOG.

What is the main difference between VOOG and GDX?

VOOG is categorized as S&P 500, while GDX is Gold. VOOG tracks S&P 500 Growth Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VOOG and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.09), 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.