VYMI vs. MRK

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

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

Performance

VYMI vs. MRK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK). 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 MRK's 13.94% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VYMI having a 11.24% annualized return and MRK not far ahead at 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%

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%

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

VYMI vs. MRK - 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%
MRK Merck & Co., Inc.	13.94%	9.79%	-6.26%	1.01%	49.42%	1.75%	-7.20%	22.27%	39.95%	-1.49%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. MRK — 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

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

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. MRK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK). 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	MRK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.88	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.80	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.33	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	4.49	-1.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.60	11.22	+0.38

VYMI vs. MRK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the MRK Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI and MRK, 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. MRK - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

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

Volatility

VYMI vs. MRK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is 4.40%, while Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has a volatility of 9.57%. This indicates that VYMI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MRK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

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

Dividends

VYMI vs. MRK - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, more than MRK's 2.79% 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 VYMI and MRK in my portfolio?

VYMI and MRK 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, VYMI or MRK?

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

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.