VTI vs VYMI
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VYMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VYMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $21.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 3.47% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 1,576 | |
| YTD Return | +12.65% | +16.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.39% | +28.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +24.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | +14.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -45.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Feb 25, 2016 |
VTI vs VYMI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% while VYMI returned +28.18%. Year to date, VTI is up 12.65% versus a gain of 16.94% for VYMI.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.54% per year against +24.22% for VYMI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and +14.28% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYMI has the edge at +9.53% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for VYMI. 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 -56.6% for VTI and -45.2% for VYMI. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while VYMI charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 3.47% for VYMI.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VYMI share 6 holdings out of 4263 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or VYMI?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYMI charges 0.07%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VYMI?
Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% vs +28.18% for VYMI, so VYMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VTI annualized +8.07% vs +9.53% for VYMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VYMI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for VYMI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VYMI -45.2%.
Should I hold both VTI and VYMI?
VTI and VYMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and VYMI?
VTI and VYMI share 6 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4263 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VYMI?
VTI yields 1.07% while VYMI yields 3.47%, so VYMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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