VIDI vs VYM
Vident International Equity Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, VIDI or VYM?
Each has led over a different period.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VIDI led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window. VIDI is less concentrated, with 6.0% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIDI | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $458M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 247 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +22.68%Best | +14.33% |
| 1Y Return | +35.75%Best | +20.01% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.95%Best | +18.43% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.67%Best | +12.16% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 13.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -51.5% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,977Best | $17,750 |
| Top 10 Weight | 6.0%Best | 25.9% |
| Fund Family | Vident Financial | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 30, 2013 to Sep 8, 2026 (12.9 years).
VIDI vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.9 years both funds cover.
VIDI vs VYM Performance
Vident International Equity Strategy ETF (VIDI) is an ETF from Vident Financial and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIDI returned +35.75% while VYM returned +20.01%. Year to date, VIDI is up 22.68% versus a gain of 14.33% for VYM.
Over three years, VIDI compounded at +26.95% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.67% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +6.04%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 13.4% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -51.5% for VIDI and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIDI charges 0.61% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $4 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIDI currently yields 3.99% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
1.5% of VIDI's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.1% of VYM's money is in holdings VIDI also owns.
VIDI and VYM share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 50 days apart, VIDI as of Aug 19, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
4 positions in common, counted across the 251 positions we hold weights for in VIDI and 602 in VYM, against full books of 247 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 565 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for VIDI (96.2% of the fund), and 6 for VIDI that do not appear in VYM (2.2%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VIDI and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIDI or VYM?
VIDI has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $57 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VIDI or VYM?
Over the past year VIDI returned +35.75% vs +20.01% for VYM, so VIDI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VIDI annualized +6.04% vs +9.41% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VIDI or VYM?
VIDI has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 13.4% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VIDI -51.5% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both VIDI and VYM?
VIDI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VIDI and VYM?
1.5% of VIDI's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.1% of VYM's is in holdings VIDI also owns. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 251 positions we hold weights for in VIDI and 602 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIDI or VYM?
VIDI yields 3.99% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VIDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than VIDI?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VIDI led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window. VIDI is less concentrated, with 6.0% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 25.9%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.