VDI vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VDI (Virtus International Dividend ETF) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. VDI is actively managed, while VYMI is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VDI charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

VDI vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI) 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, VDI achieves a 14.23% return, which is significantly higher than VYMI's 11.99% return.

VDI

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 3.02%
• YTD: 14.23%
• 6M: 17.63%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VYMI

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 11.99%
• 6M: 15.12%
• 1Y: 30.78%
• 3Y*: 22.30%
• 5Y*: 12.09%
• 10Y*: 10.47%

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

VDI vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	14.23%	3.17%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	11.99%	3.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VDI and VYMI is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.93

VDI vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDI	VYMI
Financial Services	33.7%	41.9%
Industrials	15.4%	6.6%
Technology	9.1%	4.3%
Energy	9.0%	9.5%
Basic Materials	6.9%	6.8%
Utilities	6.0%	5.6%
Healthcare	5.9%	6.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	7.0%
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	6.5%
Real Estate	3.1%	1.3%
Communication Services	2.0%	4.0%

Return for Risk

VDI vs. VYMI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

VDI vs. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VDI	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.44	0.65	+1.78

Drawdowns

VDI vs. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDI drawdown since its inception was -10.40%, smaller than the maximum VYMI drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDI and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDI	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.40%	-40.00%	+29.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.14%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.84%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.05%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.80%	+0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.83%	-6.31%	+4.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.57%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VDI	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.96%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.74%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.17%	12.94%	+3.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.17%	14.84%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.17%	16.87%	-0.70%

VDI vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDI has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDI vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

VDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, less than VYMI's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.42%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDI and VYMI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VDI and VYMI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, VDI or VYMI?

On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDI or VYMI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VDI.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.42%, compared with 0.62% for VDI.

What is the main difference between VDI and VYMI?

VDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VYMI is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for VDI and 0.07% for VYMI.