MRK vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) is a stock, while VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) is Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Over the past 10 years, MRK returned 11.59%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for VYMI. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

MRK vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MRK achieves a 13.94% return, which is significantly higher than VYMI's 12.90% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MRK having a 11.59% annualized return and VYMI not far behind at 11.24%.

MRK

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: 4.97%
• YTD: 13.94%
• 6M: 20.60%
• 1Y: 50.99%
• 3Y*: 5.87%
• 5Y*: 12.81%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

VYMI

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 1.28%
• YTD: 12.90%
• 6M: 14.90%
• 1Y: 31.26%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

MRK vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MRK Merck & Co., Inc.	13.94%	9.79%	-6.26%	1.01%	49.42%	1.75%	-7.20%	22.27%	39.95%	-1.49%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	12.90%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between MRK and VYMI is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.28

The correlation between MRK and VYMI shifts across timeframes, from 0.18 (3 years) to 0.31 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MRK vs. VYMI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

MRK

MRK Risk / Return Rank: 88
MRK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
MRK Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
MRK Omega Ratio Rank: 85
MRK Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
MRK Martin Ratio Rank: 90

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 76
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 72

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

MRK vs. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	MRK	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.26	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	3.08	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.41	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.49	2.96	+1.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	11.60	-0.38

MRK vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRK Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRK and VYMI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MRK vs. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRK drawdown since its inception was -68.61%, which is greater than VYMI's maximum drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRK and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRK	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.61%	-40.00%	-28.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.37%	-10.14%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-43.44%	-12.84%	-30.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.44%	-24.05%	-19.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.44%	-40.00%	-3.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.03%	0.00%	-5.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.83%	-6.30%	-12.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.54%	2.59%	+1.95%

Volatility

MRK vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has a higher volatility of 9.57% compared to Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) at 4.40%. This indicates that MRK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MRK	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.57%	4.40%	+5.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.04%	11.15%	+6.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.18%	13.33%	+13.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.66%	14.90%	+8.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.96%	16.85%	+6.11%

Dividends

MRK vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

MRK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, less than VYMI's 3.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MRK Merck & Co., Inc.	2.79%	3.12%	3.14%	2.72%	2.52%	3.41%	3.03%	2.48%	2.60%	3.36%	3.14%	3.43%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.39%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MRK and VYMI in my portfolio?

MRK and VYMI have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MRK or VYMI?

MRK has higher volatility (9.57%) compared to VYMI (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRK dropped -68.61% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.88), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.