Expense ratios, such as GDXJ's 0.52% and SGDJ's 0.50%, represent annual fees for fund management. A 0.02 percentage-point difference might seem small, but over long periods, it can influence returns. These costs are deducted from fund assets. Lower fees may leave more capital invested, potentially helping long-term growth. Always examine fees closely and consider their impact on returns and fund goals. Investors often find that fees affect how returns compound over time. Thus, a careful examination of fee structure is crucial for any fund selection. This makes it an important factor in investment decisions.

The index tracked by a fund helps determine its portfolio composition. However, both GDXJ and SGDJ currently have no publicly disclosed index information available. Without this detail, investors cannot fully understand the tracking method or investment focus. It also complicates the process of assessing how fund holdings relate to the market. For transparency, index tracking plays an important role in fund structure and helps investors evaluate how the fund mirrors its intended exposure. Therefore, this missing information affects the ability to make an accurate assessment.

How do sector weights influence investment decisions in junior gold miners?

Sector weights reveal the distribution of fund assets across industries. Both GDXJ and SGDJ do not have available sector weights, making it difficult to gauge exposure and diversification. Investors generally use sector weightings to assess risks and opportunities. Without this data, investors face uncertainty when considering how the funds perform relative to junior gold mining trends. These weights are crucial in determining the concentration and diversification of portfolios. Investors must consider these factors to understand how a fund might respond to industry shifts.

How do dividend yields of GDXJ and SGDJ compare, and what does that mean?

GDXJ has a dividend yield of 2.15%, whereas SGDJ offers a considerably higher yield of 7.36%. A higher yield might suggest more income generation, which can be attractive to income-focused investors. However, these yields are not fixed and can fluctuate depending on fund performance and market conditions. It's important to recognise that while dividends provide income, the overall fund's performance and the potential for capital gains should also be considered when making investment decisions about these funds.

What are the top holdings in GDXJ and SGDJ, and how do they differ?

GDXJ's largest holding, EQX, represents 7.11% of its assets, with other holdings like CDE (5.05%) and HL (2.59%) contributing to a more concentrated portfolio. In contrast, SGDJ's largest disclosed holding, HYMC, accounts for 3.58%, indicating greater diversification. The overlap between their top holdings is zero, implying distinct investment strategies. Investors should weigh these concentration and diversification differences to understand potential risks and performance outcomes when evaluating the funds.

Which fund is more liquid, GDXJ or SGDJ, and why does this matter?

GDXJ, with net assets of $9.2 billion, is more liquid than SGDJ, which has $366 million. Greater liquidity means it's easier to buy or sell shares without impacting the price significantly. This can be especially important for large-scale investors who require flexibility in trading. In contrast, SGDJ's lower liquidity could lead to wider bid-ask spreads, potentially affecting trading costs. Thus, when choosing between the funds, investors must consider liquidity to align with their trading needs.

How do the historical performance records of GDXJ and SGDJ differ, and why does it matter?

GDXJ, launched in November 2009, has a longer track record than SGDJ, which began in March 2015. This extended history provides more data for assessing fund behaviour through different market cycles. Investors often value longer track records as they help evaluate fund stability and responsiveness to market conditions. While SGDJ is newer, its shorter performance history may limit insights into its long-term behaviour. When comparing these funds, investors should weigh the significance of track record length as part of their overall analysis.

How do economic factors impact junior gold mining ETFs like GDXJ and SGDJ?

Junior gold miners are heavily influenced by gold prices, interest rates, and currency fluctuations. During periods of economic uncertainty, gold often serves as a safe haven, potentially driving up prices. Both GDXJ and SGDJ are exposed to these risks and opportunities. Their performance may vary depending on the economic environment, which impacts investor sentiment towards mining assets. Understanding these dynamics is essential to assess the suitability of these funds. Junior gold miners can be volatile, so it's crucial for investors to consider these factors.

What should investors consider when choosing between GDXJ and SGDJ based on fees and dividends?

When comparing GDXJ and SGDJ, investors should examine the expense ratios of 0.52% and 0.50%, respectively, along with the dividend yields of 2.15% and 7.36%. Fee differences, although small, may affect long-term returns, while higher yields could appeal to income-focused investors. It's also important to evaluate how each fund aligns with individual goals. Investors should consider trading frequency and fund strategy, as well as the overall performance record. A well-rounded examination will help make informed decisions regarding suitability.

GDXJ vs SGDJ

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) and Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ). This page outlines expense ratios, top holdings, dividend yields and available information on index focus and market tracking to help assess similarities and differences. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

GDXJ

Metric

SGDJ

0.52%

Expense Ratio

0.50%

2.15%

Dividend Yield

7.36%

$9.18B

Net Assets

$366.09M

161

Holdings

Nov 11, 2009

Inception Date

Mar 31, 2015

–

Index Tracked

–

Equity Precious Metals

Fund Category

Equity Precious Metals

SGDJ costs about $2.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

Investment Analysis

GDXJ

Pros

Fund A benefits from a substantial net asset value of nine point two billion dollars, supporting high market liquidity.
The fund has been operating since November two thousand nine, providing a longer historical performance record than its peer.
Although its expense ratio is zero point five two percent, it remains a cost-efficient option for large-scale investors.

Considerations

The dividend yield of two point one five percent is significantly lower than that offered by comparable junior gold funds.
The disclosed top holdings are relatively concentrated, with the largest position accounting for seven point one one percent of assets.
Certain data points, such as the tracked index and sector weights, are currently marked as not available.

SGDJ

Pros

Fund B offers a markedly higher dividend yield of seven point three six percent, appealing to income-focused investors.
Its expense ratio of zero point five zero percent is slightly lower than Fund A, reducing ongoing management costs.
The fund exhibits a highly diversified structure, with its largest disclosed holding comprising only three point five eight percent.

Considerations

With net assets of three hundred sixty-six million dollars, it is considerably smaller and less liquid than Fund A.
The fund was launched in March two thousand fifteen, meaning it has a shorter track record for performance evaluation.
Essential information regarding the issuer and the specific index tracked is currently unavailable for review.

About GDXJ and SGDJ

GDXJ (GDXJ)

The VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is an exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with exposure to junior mining companies in the gold sector. With 161 holdings, it tracks the performance of smaller-cap gold and silver mining firms that are often in the exploration or early production stages. As of its inception in November 2009, GDXJ has grown to net assets of USD 9.18 billion, offering a potential route into the precious metals market with a dividend yield of 2.15% and an expense ratio of 0.52%. Junior miners can be more volatile than major producers, as their success depends heavily on exploration results and commodity price swings. However, they also offer the potential for higher growth if projects advance successfully. This fund suits those interested in broad precious metals exposure, though values can rise and fall, and returns are never guaranteed.

SGDJ (SGDJ)

The Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF provides investors with exposure to a basket of junior gold mining companies. Rather than tracking a single broad index, it actively selects and holds a concentrated group of approximately 37 equities. These companies are typically early-stage or small-cap miners focused on gold exploration and development. By investing in this ETF, you gain diversified access to the precious metals sector, specifically targeting firms that may offer high growth potential as they advance projects or achieve production milestones. It is important to note that junior miners are inherently more volatile than major producers, and their share prices can fluctuate significantly based on gold prices, exploration results, and market sentiment. While the fund currently offers a substantial dividend yield of 7.36%, distributions are not guaranteed and can vary. With an expense ratio of 0.50% and net assets of USD 366 million since its inception in March 2015, this fund is a specialised vehicle for those interested in the potential upside of the small-cap gold mining sector, balanced against its higher risk profile.

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GDXJ vs SGDJ

Fund Snapshot

Investment Analysis

GDXJ

Pros

Considerations

SGDJ

Pros

Considerations

About GDXJ and SGDJ

Buy GDXJ or SGDJ in Nemo

Zero Commission

Trusted & Regulated

6% Interest on Cash

Frequently asked questions

What does

What does

How do sector weights influence investment decisions in junior gold miners?

How do dividend yields of GDXJ and SGDJ compare, and what does that mean?

What are the top holdings in GDXJ and SGDJ, and how do they differ?

Which fund is more liquid, GDXJ or SGDJ, and why does this matter?

How do the historical performance records of GDXJ and SGDJ differ, and why does it matter?

How do economic factors impact junior gold mining ETFs like GDXJ and SGDJ?

What should investors consider when choosing between GDXJ and SGDJ based on fees and dividends?

Fund Snapshot

About GDXJ and SGDJ