Dividend comparison
SCHF vs VYMI: Which Is Better?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Schwab International Equity ETF and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
- Fees. SCHF is cheaper at 0.03% a year versus 0.07% for VYMI. On $10,000 that is $4 a year less in fees.
- Income. VYMI pays more income, yielding 3.64% over the last twelve months versus 3.12% for SCHF. That is about $53 more a year on $10,000. SCHF pays annual, VYMI pays quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, VYMI returned 79.0% versus 57.7% for SCHF, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $17,898 in VYMI and $15,769 in SCHF.
- Risk. SCHF has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -28.8%, against -24.1% for VYMI.
- Diversification. VYMI holds 1,561 positions and SCHF holds 1,440. The ten largest positions make up 13.7% of SCHF and 13.7% of VYMI.
- Overlap. At least 23% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 50 shared holdings.
- Dividend growth. SCHF grew its yearly payout 8.3% a year over the last 4 years, versus 3.5% for VYMI.
- Size. SCHF is the larger fund with $67.5 billion in assets, against $22.3 billion for VYMI.
Bottom line: SCHF fits better if you care most about lower fees and faster dividend growth. VYMI fits better if you care most about more income today, stronger 5-year returns and smaller drawdowns.
| Metric | SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF | VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 3.12% | 3.64% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $0.84 | $3.72 |
| Payout frequency | Annual | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.1650 on Jun 29, 2026 | $0.8170 on Sep 22, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Jun 24, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 8.3% over 4 yrs | 3.5% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $27.06 | $102.16 |
| Dividend growth streak | 4 years | 3 years |
| Beta | 1.03 | 0.74 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -28.8% | -24.1% |
| Market cap | $67.18B | $22.34B |
| Exchange | AMEX | NASDAQ |
| Expense ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% |
| Assets under management | $67.45B | $22.30B |
| Number of holdings | 1440 | 1561 |
| Top 10 concentration | 13.7% | 13.7% |
SCHF
$25.96/mo
$312 /yr at 3.12% yield
VYMI
$30.35/mo
$364 /yr at 3.64% yield
| Year | SCHF | VYMI |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $0.8216 | $3.3151 |
| 2024 | $0.6032 | $3.2859 |
| 2023 | $0.5484 | $3.0473 |
| 2022 | $0.4749 | $2.8024 |
| 2021 | $0.5970 | $2.8868 |
Returns are exposed to currency moves and to political and regulatory risk that US investors do not face at home, and emerging markets add wide swings.
What SCHF vs VYMI actually do
It tracks a FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield index, covering developed and emerging markets and screening on forecast dividend yield in the same way as the US version. Non-US markets carry a structurally higher payout culture, so the headline yield generally runs above US dividend funds, and the sector mix leans toward financials, energy and materials rather than US-style consumer and technology names. Two mechanical consequences matter: distributions are lumpier because many foreign companies pay once or twice a year rather than quarterly, and foreign withholding tax is deducted at source, recoverable as a foreign tax credit in a taxable account but simply lost inside an IRA.
Suits an investor adding geographic diversification to a US-heavy income portfolio and willing to accept currency swings. A poor fit inside a tax-deferred account, where the foreign tax credit cannot be claimed, and for anyone who needs an even payment every quarter.
International dividend income
| Period | SCHF | VYMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -2.42% | -0.94% |
| 3 months | 0.74% | 1.26% |
| Year to date | 13.22% | 13.51% |
| 1 year | 17.35% | 19.64% |
| 3 years | 80.88% | 86.42% |
| 5 years | 57.69% | 78.98% |
- SCHF
- VYMI
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- SCHF
- VYMI
| Largest shared holdings | SCHF weight | VYMI weight |
|---|---|---|
| HSBA.LHSBC HOLDINGS PLC | 1.13% | 1.80% |
| ROP.SWROCHE PS PAR AG | 1.12% | 1.55% |
| SHEL.LSHELL | 1.06% | 1.47% |
| NOVN.SWNOVARTIS AG | 0.98% | 1.41% |
| RY.TOROYAL BANK OF CANADA | 0.96% | 1.46% |
| NESN.SWNESTLE SA | 0.89% | 1.24% |
| 8306.TMITSUBISHI UFJ FINANCIAL GROUP | 0.83% | 1.34% |
| BHP.AXBHP GROUP LTD | 0.73% | 1.14% |
| 7203.TTOYOTA MOTOR | 0.71% | 1.02% |
| TD.TOTORONTO DOMINION | 0.68% | 1.03% |
Quick verdict
SCHF fits better if you care most about lower fees and faster dividend growth. VYMI fits better if you care most about more income today, stronger 5-year returns and smaller drawdowns. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Is SCHF or VYMI better for dividend income?
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How much do SCHF and VYMI overlap?
How often do SCHF and VYMI pay dividends?
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.