Dividend comparison
GDX vs GDXJ: Which Is Better?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for VanEck Gold Miners ETF and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
GDX vs GDXJ: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Fees. GDX is cheaper at 0.51% a year versus 0.52% for GDXJ. On $10,000 that is $1 a year less in fees.
- Income. GDXJ pays more income, yielding 2.46% over the last twelve months versus 0.74% for GDX. That is about $172 more a year on $10,000. Both pay annual.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, GDX returned 178.8% versus 163.9% for GDXJ, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $27,882 in GDX and $26,386 in GDXJ.
- Risk. GDXJ has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -48.8%, against -46.5% for GDX.
- Diversification. GDXJ holds 119 positions and GDX holds 57. The ten largest positions make up 59.8% of GDX and 45.2% of GDXJ.
- Overlap. 37% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 48 shared holdings.
- Dividend growth. GDXJ grew its yearly payout 37.3% a year over the last 4 years, versus 4.3% for GDX.
- Size. GDX is the larger fund with $26.5 billion in assets, against $8.1 billion for GDXJ.
Bottom line: GDX fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns. GDXJ fits better if you care most about more income today, faster dividend growth and broader diversification.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF | GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 0.74% | 2.46% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $0.63 | $2.65 |
| Payout frequency | Annual | Annual |
| Last dividend | $0.6331 on Dec 26, 2025 | $2.6494 on Dec 26, 2025 |
| Ex-dividend date | Dec 22, 2025 | Dec 22, 2025 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 4.3% over 4 yrs | 37.3% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $86.10 | $107.84 |
| Dividend growth streak | 1 year | 3 years |
| Beta | 0.81 | 0.88 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -46.5% | -48.8% |
| Market cap | $26.78B | $8.12B |
| Exchange | AMEX | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | 0.51% | 0.52% |
| Assets under management | $26.51B | $8.10B |
| Number of holdings | 57 | 119 |
| Top 10 concentration | 59.8% | 45.2% |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
GDX
$6.13/mo
$74 /yr at 0.74% yield
GDXJ
$20.47/mo
$246 /yr at 2.46% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. GDX pays annual; GDXJ pays annual.
| Year | GDX | GDXJ |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $0.6331 | $2.6494 |
| 2024 | $0.4025 | $1.1144 |
| 2023 | $0.5001 | $0.2736 |
| 2022 | $0.4762 | $0.1825 |
| 2021 | $0.5348 | $0.7454 |
Strategy: Sector and thematic
Funds that hold a single industry or theme, such as technology, semiconductors, healthcare or energy. Funds covering the same sector can still differ in concentration rules: some cap the largest positions while others let the biggest companies take a quarter of the fund. Sector funds are usually used to tilt a portfolio rather than as its core.
A single sector can fall far further than the broad market and stay down for years, and the largest names often dominate the fund.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $27,882 in GDX and $26,386 in GDXJ.
| Period | GDX | GDXJ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -9.82% | -13.34% |
| 3 months | 20.72% | 17.65% |
| Year to date | 0.38% | -5.22% |
| 1 year | 7.14% | 3.95% |
| 3 years | 200.31% | 228.48% |
| 5 years | 178.82% | 163.86% |
- GDX
- GDXJ
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Sector allocation
Weight of each sector within the fund. Sectors are aligned on the same row so the two funds can be read against each other directly.
- GDX
- GDXJ
GDX vs GDXJ holdings overlap
37% overlap by weight, with 48 holdings in common. Overlap adds up the smaller of the two weights for every stock both funds own, so 100% would mean identical portfolios.
| Largest shared holdings | GDX weight | GDXJ weight |
|---|---|---|
| AGIAlamos Gold Inc | 1.87% | 6.64% |
| CDECoeur Mining Inc | 1.87% | 6.06% |
| EQXEquinox Gold Corp | 1.85% | 6.12% |
| EVN.AXEvolution Mining Ltd | 1.50% | 6.37% |
| PE&OLES.MXIndustrias Penoles Sab De Cv | 1.46% | 2.74% |
| EDV.LEndeavour Mining Plc | 1.26% | 5.69% |
| IAGIamgold Corp | 1.24% | 5.17% |
| HLHecla Mining Co | 1.17% | 2.23% |
| AGFirst Majestic Silver Corp | 1.16% | 2.18% |
| LUG.TOLundin Gold Inc | 1.06% | 2.03% |
Quick verdict
GDX fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns. GDXJ fits better if you care most about more income today, faster dividend growth and broader diversification. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
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Frequently asked questions
Is GDX or GDXJ better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. GDX currently yields 0.74% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while GDXJ yields 2.46%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between GDX and GDXJ?
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is an ETF listed on AMEX. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which is cheaper, GDX or GDXJ?
GDX has the lower expense ratio. GDX charges 0.51% a year and GDXJ charges 0.52%, a difference of $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which has performed better, GDX or GDXJ?
Over the last 5 years, GDX has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: GDX returned 178.8% and GDXJ returned 163.9%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, GDX or GDXJ?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, GDXJ has been riskier: GDX fell as much as 46.5% and GDXJ as much as 48.8%. Their betas are 0.81 and 0.88.
How much do GDX and GDXJ overlap?
About 37% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 48 shared holdings. The largest shared positions are AGI, CDE, EQX. Holding both still adds meaningful diversification.
How often do GDX and GDXJ pay dividends?
Both pay annual. The most recent payments were $0.6331 for GDX and $2.6494 for GDXJ.
How much income does $10,000 in GDX vs GDXJ generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in GDX would generate roughly $6.13 per month ($74 annually). The same amount in GDXJ would produce about $20.47 per month ($246 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both GDX and GDXJ?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare GDX vs GDXJ with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how GDX and GDXJ fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.