VYMI vs. SPYI

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and SPYI (NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while SPYI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Neos. VYMI is passively managed, while SPYI is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VYMI returned 20.68%/yr vs 14.80%/yr for SPYI. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for SPYI.

Performance

VYMI vs. SPYI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI). 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 SPYI's 7.19% return.

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%

SPYI

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.08%
• 6M: 6.04%
• YTD: 7.19%
• 1Y: 17.14%
• 3Y*: 14.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 14.42%

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

VYMI vs. SPYI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	13.64%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	3.96%
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	7.19%	16.67%	19.03%	18.09%	-3.96%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMI and SPYI is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2022	0.64

The correlation between VYMI and SPYI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

VYMI vs. SPYI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	SPYI
Financial Services	42.4%	11.7%
Energy	7.9%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	4.6%
Healthcare	6.5%	8.9%
Basic Materials	6.4%	1.7%
Industrials	6.3%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	5.9%	9.6%
Technology	5.2%	38.3%
Utilities	5.2%	2.2%
Communication Services	3.5%	10.0%
Real Estate	1.1%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. SPYI — 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

SPYI

SPYI Risk / Return Rank: 69
SPYI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
SPYI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SPYI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SPYI Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SPYI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. SPYI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI). 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	SPYI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	1.64	+0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.28	+0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.31	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	2.23	+0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.59	10.86	+0.73

VYMI vs. SPYI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is higher than the SPYI Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI and SPYI, 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. SPYI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, which is greater than SPYI's maximum drawdown of -16.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and SPYI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	SPYI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-16.47%	-23.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-7.72%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-16.47%	+3.63%
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	-1.14%	-1.36%	+0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.25%	-1.79%	-4.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.60%	1.58%	+1.02%

Volatility

VYMI vs. SPYI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) have volatilities of 2.96% and 2.90%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	SPYI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.96%	2.90%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.33%	8.50%	+2.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.27%	10.51%	+2.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.83%	12.95%	+1.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.53%	12.95%	+3.58%

VYMI vs. SPYI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than SPYI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

VYMI vs. SPYI - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%, less than SPYI's 11.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	11.87%	11.70%	12.04%	12.01%	4.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VYMI and SPYI in my portfolio?

VYMI and SPYI have a correlation of 0.67, 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 SPYI?

VYMI has higher volatility (2.96%) compared to SPYI (2.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs SPYI's -16.47%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or SPYI?

On 3-year performance, VYMI leads with 20.68% vs 14.80% for SPYI. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYMI or SPYI?

Over the 3-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 20.68% return vs 14.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or SPYI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for SPYI.

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

SPYI has the higher dividend yield at 11.87%, compared with 3.60% for VYMI.

What is the main difference between VYMI and SPYI?

VYMI is categorized as Dividend, while SPYI is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Neos. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.68% for SPYI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.64), 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.