VYMI vs. EFV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and EFV (iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while EFV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Value Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VYMI returned 10.70%/yr vs 10.23%/yr for EFV. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for EFV.

Performance

VYMI vs. EFV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VYMI achieves a 13.64% return, which is significantly higher than EFV's 12.03% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VYMI having a 10.70% annualized return and EFV not far behind at 10.23%.

VYMI

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 0.98%
• 6M: 10.39%
• YTD: 13.64%
• 1Y: 30.07%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: 10.70%
• ALL TIME*: 11.03%

EFV

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 1.68%
• 6M: 8.90%
• YTD: 12.03%
• 1Y: 29.67%
• 3Y*: 20.66%
• 5Y*: 13.80%
• 10Y*: 10.23%
• ALL TIME*: 5.96%

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

VYMI vs. EFV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	13.64%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	12.03%	42.22%	5.35%	18.85%	-5.22%	11.08%	-2.97%	15.80%	-14.67%	21.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMI and EFV is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.96

The correlation between VYMI and EFV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VYMI vs. EFV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	EFV
Financial Services	42.4%	39.6%
Energy	7.9%	6.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	9.5%
Healthcare	6.5%	7.5%
Basic Materials	6.4%	6.1%
Industrials	6.3%	9.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.9%	5.3%
Technology	5.2%	2.7%
Utilities	5.2%	5.9%
Communication Services	3.5%	4.0%
Real Estate	1.1%	2.6%

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. EFV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 85
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 81

EFV

EFV Risk / Return Rank: 80
EFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
EFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
EFV Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EFV Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. EFV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV). 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	EFV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.06	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.88	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.37	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	2.74	+0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.59	10.04	+1.55

VYMI vs. EFV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the EFV Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI and EFV, 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. EFV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, smaller than the maximum EFV drawdown of -63.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and EFV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	EFV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-63.94%	+23.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-10.90%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-13.72%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-25.84%	+1.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.00%	-43.16%	+3.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-1.39%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.25%	-14.75%	+8.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	2.96%	-0.36%

Volatility

VYMI vs. EFV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is 2.96%, while iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) has a volatility of 3.17%. This indicates that VYMI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EFV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	EFV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.96%	3.17%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.33%	12.15%	-0.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.27%	14.48%	-1.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.83%	15.91%	-1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.53%	17.44%	-0.91%

VYMI vs. EFV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than EFV's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

VYMI vs. EFV - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%, less than EFV's 4.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF	4.69%	4.16%	4.66%	4.36%	4.17%	4.07%	2.42%	4.62%	4.56%	3.56%	3.28%	3.59%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.60%	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 EFV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VYMI and EFV 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 is riskier, VYMI or EFV?

EFV has higher volatility (3.17%) compared to VYMI (2.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs EFV's -63.94%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or EFV?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 10.70% vs 10.23% for EFV. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 2.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYMI or EFV?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 10.70% return vs 10.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or EFV?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for EFV.

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

EFV has the higher dividend yield at 4.69%, compared with 3.60% for VYMI.

What is the main difference between VYMI and EFV?

VYMI is categorized as Dividend, while EFV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while EFV tracks MSCI EAFE Value Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.31% for EFV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.06), 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.