VYMI vs. AIA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while AIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the S&P Asia 50. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VYMI returned 11.24%/yr vs 15.05%/yr for AIA. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for AIA.

Performance

VYMI vs. AIA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VYMI achieves a 12.90% return, which is significantly lower than AIA's 44.56% return. Over the past 10 years, VYMI has underperformed AIA with an annualized return of 11.24%, while AIA has yielded a comparatively higher 15.05% annualized return.

VYMI

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 12.90%
• 6M: 14.90%
• 1Y: 31.26%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

AIA

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 6.70%
• YTD: 44.56%
• 6M: 50.54%
• 1Y: 83.79%
• 3Y*: 34.57%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

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

VYMI vs. AIA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	44.56%	47.79%	20.26%	4.32%	-24.08%	-10.91%	33.73%	22.21%	-14.22%	45.00%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMI and AIA is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.72

The correlation between VYMI and AIA shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.72 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VYMI vs. AIA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	AIA
Financial Services	41.9%	16.4%
Energy	9.5%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	-
Basic Materials	6.8%	-
Healthcare	6.6%	0.8%
Industrials	6.6%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	8.6%
Utilities	5.6%	-
Technology	4.3%	63.8%
Communication Services	4.0%	7.4%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.5%

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. AIA — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

AIA

AIA Risk / Return Rank: 91
AIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
AIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
AIA Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AIA Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

VYMI vs. AIA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA). 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.

	VYMI	AIA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.89	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	3.41	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.49	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	5.70	-2.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.60	19.76	-8.16

VYMI vs. AIA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the AIA Sharpe Ratio of 2.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI and AIA, 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

VYMI vs. AIA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, smaller than the maximum AIA drawdown of -60.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and AIA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	AIA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-60.89%	+20.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-14.15%	+4.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-21.64%	+8.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-50.11%	+26.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.00%	-54.64%	+14.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.44%	+6.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	-16.66%	+10.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	4.08%	-1.49%

Volatility

VYMI vs. AIA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is 4.40%, while iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) has a volatility of 14.34%. This indicates that VYMI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	AIA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	14.34%	-9.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.15%	24.49%	-13.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.33%	27.93%	-14.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.90%	25.96%	-11.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.85%	23.78%	-6.93%

VYMI vs. AIA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than AIA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VYMI vs. AIA - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, more than AIA's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	1.73%	2.50%	2.78%	2.07%	2.59%	1.54%	1.11%	2.24%	2.49%	1.45%	2.29%	2.88%
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 VYMI and AIA in my portfolio?

VYMI and AIA have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYMI or AIA?

AIA has higher volatility (14.34%) compared to VYMI (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs AIA's -60.89%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or AIA?

On 10-year performance, AIA leads with 15.05% vs 11.24% for VYMI. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYMI or AIA?

Over the 10-year period, AIA has performed better with a 15.05% return vs 11.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or AIA?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for AIA.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.39%, compared with 1.73% for AIA.

What is the main difference between VYMI and AIA?

VYMI is categorized as Dividend, while AIA is Asia Pacific Equities. VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while AIA tracks S&P Asia 50. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.50% for AIA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 2.26), 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.