VYMI vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VYMI returned 10.49%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

VYMI vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VYMI achieves a 11.31% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.92% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VYMI having a 10.49% annualized return and VEA not far behind at 10.17%.

VYMI

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 11.31%
• 6M: 14.77%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 21.88%
• 5Y*: 11.95%
• 10Y*: 10.49%

VEA

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 14.92%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

VYMI vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	11.31%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.92%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMI and VEA 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2016	0.95

The correlation between VYMI and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

VYMI vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	VEA
Financial Services	41.9%	23.3%
Energy	9.5%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	5.6%
Basic Materials	6.8%	7.5%
Healthcare	6.6%	8.2%
Industrials	6.6%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	7.5%
Utilities	5.6%	3.3%
Technology	4.3%	13.8%
Communication Services	4.0%	3.4%
Real Estate	1.3%	2.7%

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 66
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	VYMI	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.09	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	2.87	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.38	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	2.81	+0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.80	10.94	+0.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VYMI vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VYMI	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	2.09	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.58	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.59	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.25	+0.40

Drawdowns

VYMI vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-60.68%	+20.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-11.63%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-13.45%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-29.71%	+5.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.00%	-35.73%	-4.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-0.90%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.31%	-13.29%	+6.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	2.98%	-0.41%

Volatility

VYMI vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is 4.04%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that VYMI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.04%	5.66%	-1.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.73%	13.32%	-2.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.94%	15.66%	-2.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.84%	16.55%	-1.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.87%	17.36%	-0.49%

VYMI vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VYMI vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.44%, more than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.44%	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 VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VYMI and VEA 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 VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to VYMI (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 10.49% vs 10.17% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 4.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYMI or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 10.49% return vs 10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for VYMI.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.44%, compared with 2.62% for VEA.

What is the main difference between VYMI and VEA?

VYMI is categorized as Dividend, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 2.09), 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.