VYM ETF — Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares

Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM)

VYM is a low-cost ETF that tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. As of August 24, 2026, its distribution rate is 2.38%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.20%, its expense ratio is 0.04%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 95/100 (Safe). Fund total return is 496.1% over the past 19.8 years, 188.2 points behind SPY at 684.3%.

At the current 2.38% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $238 per year, or $19.83 per month on an equivalent basis. Actual quarterly payments vary.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares is an ETF that tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, offering exposure to large-cap U.S. companies with above-average dividend-paying histories and value characteristics, excluding REITs. The fund carries a very low expense ratio of 0.04% and distributes quarterly at a modest current distribution rate, making it suitable for income-focused investors seeking broad large-cap dividend exposure with minimal fees.

VYM performance versus SPY

Data as of August 24, 2026.

Fund total return is 496.1% over the past 19.8 years, 188.2 points behind SPY at 684.3%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 6.7%.

VYM key facts

Data as of August 24, 2026.

Distribution Safety Score™

95 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.26%

Issuer

Vanguard

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

11/10/2006

Expense ratio

0.04%

Distribution rate

2.38%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.20%

Last close

$164.97

AUM

$83,808,004,019

Average volume

945900.0

Last dividend

$0.9800

Ex-dividend date

06/18/2026

Payment date

06/23/2026

Beta

0.68

P/E ratio

21.387

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (2.38%) is the latest regular payout annualized by the fund's stated frequency, divided by the last close. Issuers often publish this as “Distribution Rate” on the fact sheet. Trailing-12-month yield (2.20%) is the sum of distributions paid in the last 12 months, split-adjusted, divided by the last close. It lags a recent raise or cut. We show a 30-day SEC yield when the fund publishes one. Schwab and other issuers may report a TTM distribution yield or SEC yield on a different date — all can be valid; they are not interchangeable. Fund total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is what the fund did, not your personal gain/loss. Figures below use Dividend Vision data as of August 24, 2026.

Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology · SEC yield

Sources and review

Data as of August 24, 2026.

Primary sources: Vanguard fund page; Index: FTSE High Dividend Yield Index; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

VYM risks and drawbacks

VYM's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are quarterly, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 6.7%.

Who may consider VYM — and who may not

VYM may suit someone looking for low-cost broad dividend exposure, a high Distribution Safety Score, moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (VYM pays quarterly); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

Compare VYM

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Frequently asked questions

More funds from Vanguard.