VYMI vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both Dividend funds from Vanguard - VYMI tracks the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index while VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VYMI returned 10.59%/yr vs 11.63%/yr for VYM. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

VYMI vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VYMI having a 9.74% return and VYM slightly higher at 10.18%. Over the past 10 years, VYMI has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 10.59%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.63% annualized return.

VYMI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 9.74%
• 6M: 12.00%
• 1Y: 27.24%
• 3Y*: 20.88%
• 5Y*: 11.65%
• 10Y*: 10.59%

VYM

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 8.44%
• 1Y: 22.92%
• 3Y*: 17.66%
• 5Y*: 11.15%
• 10Y*: 11.63%

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

VYMI vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	9.74%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	10.18%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMI and VYM is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.74

The correlation between VYMI and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

VYMI vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	VYM
Financial Services	41.9%	20.5%
Energy	9.5%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	8.1%
Basic Materials	6.8%	3.5%
Healthcare	6.6%	12.2%
Industrials	6.6%	12.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	6.7%
Utilities	5.6%	5.7%
Technology	4.3%	17.7%
Communication Services	4.0%	3.5%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.0%

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 79
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.22	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	3.15	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.40	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	3.44	-0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.55	12.81	-2.26
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. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI and VYM, 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	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08	2.22	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79	0.80	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	0.71	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.50	+0.14

Drawdowns

VYMI vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-56.98%	+16.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-6.69%	-3.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-14.46%	+1.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-15.84%	-8.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.00%	-35.21%	-4.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.79%	-2.46%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	-7.19%	+0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	1.79%	+0.80%

Volatility

VYMI vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has a higher volatility of 3.70% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 3.05%. This indicates that VYMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	3.05%	+0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.97%	7.81%	+3.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.13%	10.40%	+2.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.87%	13.98%	+0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.85%	16.35%	+0.50%

VYMI vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% 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. VYM - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, more than VYM's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.23%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.49%	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 VYM in my portfolio?

VYMI and VYM have a correlation of 0.71, 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 VYM?

VYMI has higher volatility (3.70%) compared to VYM (3.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or VYM?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.63% vs 10.59% for VYMI. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 3.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYMI or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.63% return vs 10.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for VYMI.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.49%, compared with 2.23% for VYM.

What is the main difference between VYMI and VYM?

VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 2.08), 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.