VIGI vs VYM
Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIGI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.03% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 369 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.86% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.12% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.31% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.02% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VIGI vs VYM Performance
Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIGI returned +11.12% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, VIGI is up 7.86% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, VIGI compounded at +12.31% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.02% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VIGI has the edge at +7.96% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.4% for VIGI. 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 -31.2% for VIGI and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIGI charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIGI currently yields 2.03% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VIGI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 944 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIGI or VYM?
VIGI has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIGI or VYM?
Over the past year VIGI returned +11.12% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VIGI annualized +7.96% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIGI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.4% for VIGI. Worst drawdown: VIGI -31.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VIGI and VYM?
VIGI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIGI and VYM?
VIGI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 944 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIGI or VYM?
VIGI yields 2.03% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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