GDX ETF — VanEck Gold Miners ETF

VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

GDX is an ETF that tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. As of August 28, 2026, its distribution rate is 0.64%, its trailing-12-month yield is 0.64%, its expense ratio is 0.51%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 87/100 (Safe). Fund total return is 215.4% over the past 20.3 years, 569.4 points behind SPY at 784.8%.

At the current 0.64% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $64 per year, or $5.33 per month on an equivalent basis. Actual annual payments vary.

VanEck Gold Miners ETF is an ETF that tracks a modified capitalization-weighted index of publicly traded gold and silver mining companies, holding at least 80% of its assets in index constituents. The fund offers a modest current distribution rate with annual distributions and carries an expense ratio of 0.51%. It appeals to investors seeking commodity exposure through equity positions in mining operations rather than direct precious metals ownership.

GDX performance versus SPY

Data as of August 28, 2026.

Fund total return is 215.4% over the past 20.3 years, 569.4 points behind SPY at 784.8%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 38.9%.

GDX key facts

Data as of August 28, 2026.

Distribution Safety Score™

87 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

0.56%

Issuer

VanEck

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Commodity

Inception date

05/16/2006

Expense ratio

0.51%

Distribution rate

0.64%

Distribution frequency

Annual

Trailing yield

0.64%

Last close

$99.65

AUM

$32,247,511,055

Average volume

40943457.0

Last dividend

$0.6330

Ex-dividend date

12/22/2025

Payment date

12/26/2025

Beta

0.82

P/E ratio

17.318

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (0.64%) is the latest regular payout annualized by the fund's stated frequency, divided by the last close. Issuers often publish this as “Distribution Rate” on the fact sheet. Trailing-12-month yield (0.64%) is the sum of distributions paid in the last 12 months, split-adjusted, divided by the last close. It lags a recent raise or cut. We show a 30-day SEC yield when the fund publishes one. Schwab and other issuers may report a TTM distribution yield or SEC yield on a different date — all can be valid; they are not interchangeable. Fund total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is what the fund did, not your personal gain/loss. Figures below use Dividend Vision data as of August 28, 2026.

Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology · SEC yield

Sources and review

Data as of August 28, 2026.

Primary sources: VanEck fund page; Index: NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

GDX risks and drawbacks

GDX's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are annual, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 38.9%.

Who may consider GDX — and who may not

GDX may suit someone looking for a high Distribution Safety Score. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (GDX pays annual); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

Compare GDX

GDX vs similar funds:

• GDX vs GLD

Frequently asked questions

More funds from VanEck.