Dividend comparison
VYM vs VYMI: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF, side by side. Updated October 24, 2026.
- Fees. VYM is cheaper at 0.04% a year versus 0.07% for VYMI. On $10,000 that is $3 a year less in fees.
- Income. VYMI pays more income, yielding 3.67% over the last twelve months versus 2.28% for VYM. That is about $139 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, VYMI returned 79.0% versus 68.7% for VYM, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $17,904 in VYMI and $16,867 in VYM.
- Risk. VYMI has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -24.1%, against -15.8% for VYM.
- Diversification. VYMI holds 1,561 positions and VYM holds 589. The ten largest positions make up 26.2% of VYM and 13.7% of VYMI.
- Dividend growth. VYMI grew its yearly payout 3.5% a year over the last 4 years, versus 3.1% for VYM.
- Size. VYM is the larger fund with $95.8 billion in assets, against $22.3 billion for VYMI.
Bottom line: VYM fits better if you care most about lower fees and smaller drawdowns. VYMI fits better if you care most about more income today, stronger 5-year returns and broader diversification.
| Metric | VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 2.28% | 3.67% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $3.68 | $3.72 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.8869 on Sep 22, 2026 | $0.8170 on Sep 22, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Sep 18, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 3.1% over 4 yrs | 3.5% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $161.50 | $101.41 |
| Dividend growth streak | 15 years | 3 years |
| Beta | 0.75 | 0.74 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -15.8% | -24.1% |
| Market cap | $95.79B | $22.34B |
| Exchange | AMEX | NASDAQ |
| Expense ratio | 0.04% | 0.07% |
| Assets under management | $95.80B | $22.30B |
| Number of holdings | 589 | 1561 |
| Top 10 concentration | 26.2% | 13.7% |
VYM
$18.97/mo
$228 /yr at 2.28% yield
VYMI
$30.57/mo
$367 /yr at 3.67% yield
| Year | VYM | VYMI |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.5008 | $3.3151 |
| 2024 | $3.4945 | $3.2859 |
| 2023 | $3.4780 | $3.0473 |
| 2022 | $3.2518 | $2.8024 |
| 2021 | $3.0961 | $2.8868 |
Expect stretches of underperformance versus the broad market whenever leadership comes from the high-growth, low-yield companies these screens exclude.
What VYM vs VYMI actually do
It tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which ranks US dividend payers by forecast yield, excludes REITs, and works down that ranking until roughly half the market value of the eligible universe is covered. Selection is on yield alone with no quality or growth screen, so the portfolio is wide and diversified but includes some payers a stricter screen would reject. Weighting is by market cap, meaning the biggest dividend-paying companies dominate.
Suits an investor who wants dependable above-market income with maximum breadth and minimum concentration risk. Less suitable if you specifically want dividend growth or a fundamental quality filter, since neither is part of the selection rule.
Core dividend holding
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 | VYM | VYMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 2.45% | -2.10% |
| 3 months | 0.59% | -0.26% |
| Year to date | 13.29% | 13.06% |
| 1 year | 15.66% | 19.64% |
| 3 years | 70.17% | 85.68% |
| 5 years | 68.67% | 79.04% |
- VYM
- VYMI
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-22 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- VYM
- VYMI
Quick verdict
VYM fits better if you care most about lower fees and smaller drawdowns. VYMI fits better if you care most about more income today, stronger 5-year returns and broader diversification. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
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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.