VYM vs VYMI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYMI offers more diversification with 1480 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | VYMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $19.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 3.69% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 1,576 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +17.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +30.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | +23.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | +13.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -45.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 25, 2016 |
VYM vs VYMI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% while VYMI returned +30.14%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 17.39% for VYMI.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.54% per year against +23.52% for VYMI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.25% and +13.81% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYMI has the edge at +9.59% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -58.8% for VYM 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while VYMI charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $7 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 3.69% for VYMI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and VYMI share 4 holdings out of 2034 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or VYMI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYMI charges 0.07%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or VYMI?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% vs +30.14% for VYMI, so VYMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +9.59% for VYMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or VYMI?
VYMI has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs VYMI -45.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and VYMI?
VYM and VYMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and VYMI?
VYM and VYMI share 4 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2034 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or VYMI?
VYM yields 2.86% while VYMI yields 3.69%, so VYMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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