SPYD vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

SPYD (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPYD is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 High Dividend Index, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPYD returned 8.93%/yr vs 11.03%/yr for VYMI. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.07% expense ratio.

Performance

SPYD vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) 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, SPYD achieves a 13.54% return, which is significantly higher than VYMI's 12.29% return. Over the past 10 years, SPYD has underperformed VYMI with an annualized return of 8.93%, while VYMI has yielded a comparatively higher 11.03% annualized return.

SPYD

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 3.85%
• YTD: 13.54%
• 6M: 13.00%
• 1Y: 18.75%
• 3Y*: 14.65%
• 5Y*: 7.42%
• 10Y*: 8.93%

VYMI

• 1D: 2.33%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 12.29%
• 6M: 13.85%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 21.85%
• 5Y*: 12.17%
• 10Y*: 11.03%

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

SPYD vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	13.54%	4.65%	15.34%	3.91%	-1.17%	32.73%	-11.64%	21.20%	-4.89%	12.67%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	12.29%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between SPYD and VYMI is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.67

The correlation between SPYD and VYMI shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (1 year) to 0.68 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SPYD vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPYD	VYMI
Real Estate	25.8%	1.3%
Consumer Defensive	16.3%	7.0%
Financial Services	12.1%	41.9%
Utilities	11.4%	5.6%
Energy	9.2%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	6.5%
Healthcare	5.2%	6.6%
Communication Services	5.1%	4.0%
Basic Materials	3.4%	6.8%
Technology	2.7%	4.3%
Industrials	2.3%	6.6%

Return for Risk

SPYD vs. VYMI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPYD

SPYD Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SPYD Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SPYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SPYD Martin Ratio Rank: 54

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 80
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

SPYD vs. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) 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.

	SPYD	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	2.28	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	3.11	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.41	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	3.00	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.75	11.70	-3.95

SPYD vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPYD Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPYD 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

SPYD vs. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPYD drawdown since its inception was -46.42%, which is greater than VYMI's maximum drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPYD and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPYD	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.42%	-40.00%	-6.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.05%	-10.14%	+3.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-12.84%	-3.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.25%	-24.05%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.42%	-40.00%	-6.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.53%	+0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.15%	-6.30%	+0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	2.59%	-0.17%

Volatility

SPYD vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) is 2.86%, while Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has a volatility of 4.38%. This indicates that SPYD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPYD	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.86%	4.38%	-1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.78%	11.18%	-3.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.66%	13.32%	-1.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	14.90%	+1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.77%	16.86%	+2.91%

SPYD vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SPYD and VYMI have an expense ratio of 0.07%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SPYD vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

SPYD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.09%, more than VYMI's 3.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	4.09%	4.52%	4.31%	4.66%	5.01%	3.68%	4.95%	4.42%	4.75%	4.63%	4.34%	1.13%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.41%	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 SPYD and VYMI in my portfolio?

SPYD and VYMI have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPYD or VYMI?

VYMI has higher volatility (4.38%) compared to SPYD (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPYD dropped -46.42% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which ETF is better, SPYD or VYMI?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 11.03% vs 8.93% for SPYD. Both ETFs have the same 0.07% expense ratio. On volatility, SPYD has been the lower-risk option at 2.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPYD or VYMI?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 11.03% return vs 8.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPYD or VYMI?

SPYD and VYMI have the same expense ratio: 0.07% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPYD or VYMI?

SPYD has the higher dividend yield at 4.09%, compared with 3.41% for VYMI.

What is the main difference between SPYD and VYMI?

SPYD is categorized as S&P 500, while VYMI is Dividend. SPYD tracks S&P 500 High Dividend Index, while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.62), 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.