VYMI vs. VPL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and VPL (Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while VPL is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Asia Pacific Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VYMI returned 11.24%/yr vs 10.83%/yr for VPL. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VPL.

Performance

VYMI vs. VPL - 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 Pacific ETF (VPL). 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 VPL's 26.86% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VYMI having a 11.24% annualized return and VPL not far behind at 10.83%.

VYMI

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 12.90%
• 6M: 14.90%
• 1Y: 29.88%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

VPL

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 26.86%
• 6M: 28.52%
• 1Y: 47.21%
• 3Y*: 20.80%
• 5Y*: 9.81%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

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

VYMI vs. VPL - 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%
VPL Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF	26.86%	32.66%	1.68%	15.58%	-15.20%	1.10%	16.65%	18.16%	-14.40%	28.85%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMI and VPL is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.87

The correlation between VYMI and VPL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

VYMI vs. VPL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	VPL
Financial Services	41.9%	19.3%
Energy	9.5%	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	6.8%	7.3%
Healthcare	6.6%	5.0%
Industrials	6.6%	20.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	9.6%
Utilities	5.6%	1.6%
Technology	4.3%	22.6%
Communication Services	4.0%	4.8%
Real Estate	1.3%	4.3%

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. VPL — 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

VPL

VPL Risk / Return Rank: 79
VPL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VPL Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VPL Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VPL Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VPL Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. VPL - 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 Pacific ETF (VPL). 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	VPL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.23	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.91	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.41	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	3.56	-0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.60	13.60	-2.00

VYMI vs. VPL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the VPL Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI and VPL, 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. VPL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, smaller than the maximum VPL drawdown of -55.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and VPL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	VPL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-55.49%	+15.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-13.33%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-16.35%	+3.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-31.09%	+7.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.00%	-33.90%	-6.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.90%	+2.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	-11.62%	+5.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	3.49%	-0.90%

Volatility

VYMI vs. VPL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) is 4.40%, while Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL) has a volatility of 10.01%. This indicates that VYMI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	VPL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	10.01%	-5.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.15%	18.75%	-7.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.33%	21.26%	-7.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.90%	17.67%	-2.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.85%	17.47%	-0.62%

VYMI vs. VPL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VPL's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. VPL - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, more than VPL's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPL Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF	2.80%	4.01%	3.15%	3.12%	2.75%	3.19%	1.81%	2.84%	3.06%	2.57%	2.65%	2.43%
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 VPL in my portfolio?

VYMI and VPL have a correlation of 0.81, 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 VPL?

VPL has higher volatility (10.01%) compared to VYMI (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs VPL's -55.49%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or VPL?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 11.24% vs 10.83% for VPL. 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 VPL?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 11.24% return vs 10.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or VPL?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for VPL.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.39%, compared with 2.80% for VPL.

What is the main difference between VYMI and VPL?

VYMI is categorized as Dividend, while VPL is Asia Pacific Equities. VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while VPL tracks FTSE Developed Asia Pacific Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.08% for VPL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.23), 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.