ETF Comparison
VYM vs VYMI: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VYM | VYMI | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares | Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Price | $147.95 | $95.01 |
| Distribution yield | 2.26% | 3.28% |
| Expense ratio | 0.04% | 0.07% |
| AUM | $92.3B | $20.1B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) | FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index |
| 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. | Dividend Income |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 11/10/2006 | 02/25/2016 |
| Beta | 0.74 | 0.9 |
| Last dividend | $0.86 | $0.71 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/20/2026 | 03/20/2026 |
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 VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) 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.
VYMI offers the higher yield at 3.28% vs 2.26% for VYM. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VYM is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.04% compared to 0.07%.
They track different benchmarks: VYM is linked to Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VYM is the larger fund by assets ($92.3B), 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 VYMI would produce $27.33/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 $70 for VYMI (simplified, not compounded). The $30.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
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 VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index using a dividend income strategy. Beta is 0.74 for VYM and 0.9 for VYMI, 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. VYMI is managed by Vanguard (launched 02/25/2016) with $20.1B 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 VYMI better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VYMI 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 VYMI?
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 VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index with a dividend income approach. They are issued by Vanguard and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both VYM and VYMI?
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 VYMI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYMI charges 0.07%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VYM vs VYMI generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VYM would generate roughly $18.83 per month ($226.00 annually). The same in VYMI would produce about $27.33 per month ($328.00 annually).
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