VTIAX vs VYM
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTIAX offers more diversification with 8,762 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTIAX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $102.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 8,762 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.71% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.20% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.20% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.28% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTIAX vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral (VTIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTIAX returned +23.20% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, VTIAX is up 14.71% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, VTIAX compounded at +17.20% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.28% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +6.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTIAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 14.6% 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 -32.4% for VTIAX 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTIAX charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTIAX currently yields 2.55% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTIAX and VYM share 7 holdings out of 9099 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTIAX or VYM?
VTIAX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTIAX or VYM?
Over the past year VTIAX returned +23.20% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTIAX annualized +6.28% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTIAX or VYM?
VTIAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VTIAX -32.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTIAX and VYM?
VTIAX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTIAX and VYM?
VTIAX and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9099 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTIAX or VYM?
VTIAX yields 2.55% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VTIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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