VXUS vs VYMI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VYMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | VYMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $19.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 3.69% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 1,576 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +17.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +32.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +23.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +14.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -45.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Feb 25, 2016 |
VXUS vs VYMI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while VYMI returned +32.68%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 17.91% for VYMI.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +23.39% for VYMI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +14.17% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYMI has the edge at +9.65% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while VYMI charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $7 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 3.69% for VYMI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and VYMI share 1326 holdings out of 8015 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or VYMI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYMI charges 0.07%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or VYMI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +32.68% for VYMI, so VYMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +9.65% for VYMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or VYMI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for VYMI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs VYMI -45.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and VYMI?
VXUS and VYMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and VYMI?
VXUS and VYMI share 1326 common holdings with a 35.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8015 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or VYMI?
VXUS yields 2.60% while VYMI yields 3.69%, so VYMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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