ETF Comparison
VYM vs VIG: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VYM | VIG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Price | $147.95 | $215.68 |
| Distribution yield | 2.26% | 1.56% |
| Expense ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $92.3B | $123.8B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) | Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings) |
| Objective | Seeks to track the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the U.S. equity market. The index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. | Seeks to track the performance of the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, which consists of common stocks of companies that have a record of at least 10 years of increasing regular cash dividend payments. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 11/10/2006 | 04/21/2006 |
| Beta | 0.74 | 0.81 |
| Last dividend | $0.86 | $0.83 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/20/2026 | 03/27/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares) are both popular quarterly-pay seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
VYM offers the higher yield at 2.26% vs 1.56% for VIG. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
They track different benchmarks: VYM is linked to Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) while VIG tracks Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings), which means their performance drivers differ.
VIG is the larger fund by assets ($123.8B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VYM would generate roughly $18.83/month while VIG would produce $13.00/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VYM would cost approximately $40 in fees vs $40 for VIG (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
VYM tracks Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. approach, while VIG tracks Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings) using a seeks to track the performance of the s&p u.s. dividend growers index, which consists of common stocks of companies that have a record of at least 10 years of increasing regular cash dividend payments. strategy. Beta is 0.74 for VYM and 0.81 for VIG, indicating VYM is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
VYM is managed by Vanguard (launched 11/10/2006) with $92.3B in assets. VIG is managed by Vanguard (launched 04/21/2006) with $123.8B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is VYM or VIG better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VYM currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between VYM and VIG?
VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares) tracks Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. strategy, while VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares) tracks Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the s&p u.s. dividend growers index, which consists of common stocks of companies that have a record of at least 10 years of increasing regular cash dividend payments. approach. They are issued by Vanguard and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both VYM and VIG?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, VYM or VIG?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VIG charges 0.04%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VYM vs VIG generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VYM would generate roughly $18.83 per month ($226.00 annually). The same in VIG would produce about $13.00 per month ($156.00 annually).
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