Dividend comparison
VYMI vs IGRO: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF and iShares International Dividend Growth ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
- Fees. VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% a year versus 0.15% for IGRO. On $10,000 that is $8 a year less in fees.
- Income. VYMI pays more income, yielding 3.64% over the last twelve months versus 2.64% for IGRO. That is about $100 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, VYMI returned 79.0% versus 49.5% for IGRO, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $17,898 in VYMI and $14,951 in IGRO.
- Risk. Their worst declines over the last 5 years were similar: -24.1% for VYMI and -26.0% for IGRO from peak to trough.
- Diversification. VYMI holds 1,561 positions and IGRO holds 546. The ten largest positions make up 13.7% of VYMI and 26.8% of IGRO.
- Overlap. At least 19% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 28 shared holdings. They mostly own different companies, so they can complement each other.
- Dividend growth. IGRO grew its yearly payout 7.7% a year over the last 4 years, versus 3.5% for VYMI.
- Size. VYMI is the larger fund with $22.3 billion in assets, against $1.3 billion for IGRO.
Bottom line: VYMI fits better if you care most about lower fees, more income today, stronger 5-year returns and broader diversification. IGRO fits better if you care most about faster dividend growth.
| Metric | VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF | IGRO iShares International Dividend Growth ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 3.64% | 2.64% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $3.72 | $2.41 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.8170 on Sep 22, 2026 | $0.4251 on Sep 18, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Sep 18, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 3.5% over 4 yrs | 7.7% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $102.16 | $91.38 |
| Dividend growth streak | 3 years | — |
| Beta | 0.74 | 0.74 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -24.1% | -26.0% |
| Market cap | $22.34B | $1.29B |
| Exchange | NASDAQ | CBOE |
| Expense ratio | 0.07% | 0.15% |
| Assets under management | $22.30B | $1.28B |
| Number of holdings | 1561 | 546 |
| Top 10 concentration | 13.7% | 26.8% |
VYMI
$30.35/mo
$364 /yr at 3.64% yield
IGRO
$22.01/mo
$264 /yr at 2.64% yield
| Year | VYMI | IGRO |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.3151 | $2.0760 |
| 2024 | $3.2859 | $1.6568 |
| 2023 | $3.0473 | $1.8362 |
| 2022 | $2.8024 | $1.5179 |
| 2021 | $2.8868 | $1.5410 |
Expect stretches of underperformance versus the broad market whenever leadership comes from the high-growth, low-yield companies these screens exclude.
What VYMI vs IGRO 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 | VYMI | IGRO |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -0.94% | 1.12% |
| 3 months | 1.26% | 1.53% |
| Year to date | 13.51% | 10.40% |
| 1 year | 19.64% | 12.79% |
| 3 years | 86.42% | 67.06% |
| 5 years | 78.98% | 49.51% |
- VYMI
- IGRO
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- VYMI
- IGRO
| Largest shared holdings | VYMI weight | IGRO weight |
|---|---|---|
| ROP.SWRoche Holding AG | 1.55% | 3.07% |
| RY.TORoyal Bank of Canada | 1.46% | 2.73% |
| NOVN.SWNovartis AG | 1.41% | 2.95% |
| 8306.TMitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc | 1.34% | 1.98% |
| NESN.SWNestle SA | 1.24% | 3.13% |
| TD.TOToronto-Dominion Bank/The | 1.03% | 2.25% |
| 7203.TToyota Motor Corp | 1.02% | 2.11% |
| 8316.TSumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc | 0.85% | 1.22% |
| IBE.MCIberdrola SA | 0.83% | 2.22% |
| UBSG.SWUBS Group AG | 0.79% | 1.21% |
Quick verdict
VYMI fits better if you care most about lower fees, more income today, stronger 5-year returns and broader diversification. IGRO fits better if you care most about faster dividend growth. 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.