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VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF

Category: Foreign Large Cap Equities

Inception: 2016-02-25 Issuer: Vanguard
Net Assets
$9.5B
Expense Ratio
0.17 %
# of Holdings
1
Average Daily Volume
655.9K

Fund Overview

The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) seeks to track the performance of the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. This ETF provides investors with exposure to high-dividend-yielding stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the United States. The fund is designed for income-seeking investors who want international diversification while focusing on companies with strong dividend-paying histories. VYMI offers a cost-effective way to access a broad range of high-yield international equities, making it suitable for long-term investors looking to enhance portfolio income.
Asset Class
Equity
Industry
N/A
Annual Dividend Rate
Smart Beta
Yes
Leveraged / Inverse
N/A / No
Dividend Quality - Yield
 - N/A
Currency Hedged
No
Portfolio Turnover
11 %
Dividend Date

Why Invest in the VYMI ETF?

Potential Benefits

  • Provides exposure to high-dividend-yielding stocks outside the U.S., offering diversification benefits.
  • Low expense ratio compared to many actively managed international dividend funds.
  • Invests in both developed and emerging markets, broadening income opportunities.
  • Tracks a well-established index, ensuring transparency and consistency in holdings.
  • Suitable for income-focused investors seeking steady dividend payments.
  • Offers potential for capital appreciation alongside dividend income.

Potential Risks

  • Exposure to international markets introduces currency risk and geopolitical uncertainties.
  • High-dividend-yielding stocks may underperform during rising interest rate environments.
  • Emerging market holdings can be volatile due to economic and political instability.
  • Dividend payments are not guaranteed and can be cut by underlying companies.
  • Sector concentration risk, as dividend-paying stocks often cluster in specific industries.
  • Potential for lower liquidity in some international markets compared to U.S. equities.

Performance

1 Week 1 Month 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years YTD 2025 2024 Since Inception
-2.45% -4.31% +23.11% +87.41% +90.04% +13.71% +38.72% +7.75% +200.42%

Performance


Monthly Returns (%)

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2026 +5.7% +6.3% -6.0% +4.9% +1.1% -0.6% +5.5% +1.6% -3.1% -0.6% - -
2025 +3.5% +3.0% +2.6% +2.7% +4.5% +2.7% -0.2% +5.1% +1.5% +0.6% +2.9% +3.7%
2024 -1.2% +2.1% +3.6% -1.5% +4.8% -2.0% +3.1% +2.6% +2.3% -3.7% -0.2% -2.4%
2023 +7.9% -3.3% +0.2% +3.5% -4.8% +5.4% +4.4% -4.1% -1.1% -3.0% +6.9% +5.0%
2022 +2.3% -2.0% +0.9% -5.6% +3.1% -9.0% +1.6% -3.6% -8.6% +5.4% +11.4% -1.4%
2021 +0.5% +3.7% +4.5% +2.3% +4.4% -1.5% -0.6% +1.2% -2.3% +3.0% -4.9% +5.4%
2020 -4.2% -7.7% -19.1% +6.1% +3.7% +3.7% +2.7% +3.5% -3.2% -2.7% +15.0% +5.3%
2019 +7.0% +1.6% +0.2% +2.8% -5.3% +5.4% -2.7% -3.4% +4.1% +3.3% +0.7% +4.1%
2018 +5.9% -5.5% -0.3% +0.2% -3.3% -1.9% +3.7% -3.1% +1.4% -6.5% +0.9% -4.1%
2017 +3.9% +0.7% +2.8% +1.5% +2.5% +0.7% +3.4% +0.2% +2.1% +0.3% +0.4% +2.0%
< -5% -5% to -2% -2% to 0% 0% 0% to +2% +2% to +5% > +5%

Top Holdings (by weight)

Symbol Company Name Weight
TD THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK 0.8 %
SU SUNCOR ENERGY INC 0.4 %
AEM AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD 0.4 %
TRP TC ENERGY CORP 0.3 %
SLF SUN LIFE FINANCIAL INC 0.2 %
SW SMURFIT WESTROCK PLC 0.2 %
NTR NUTRIEN LTD 0.2 %
BAM n/a 0.2 %
FTS FORTIS INC 0.2 %
QSR RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC 0.2 %
Top 10 holdings shown, out of 1 total holdings.

Related ETFs: VYMI vs Peers

ETF Full Name Expense Ratio Net Assets Holdings Asset Class
DEM WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund 0.63 % $2.8B 477 Equity
DHS WisdomTree US High Dividend Fund 0.38 % $1.2B 377 Equity
DWX SPDR S&P International Dividend ETF 0.45 % $412.7M 102 Equity
EFAV iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF 0.20 % $4.7B 229 Equity
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF 0.25 % $14.3B 932 Equity
HDEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF 0.09 % $1.8B 110 Equity
IDV iShares International Select Dividend ETF 0.49 % $4.3B 101 Equity
IQDF FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund 0.47 % $627.7M 195 Equity
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF 0.08 % $917.9M 100 Equity
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index ETF 0.06 % $73.3B 530 Equity
Comparison highlights key differences on cost, coverage, and focus within sector ETFs.

Investment Strategy

VYMI tracks the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, which includes high-dividend-yielding stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the United States. The index is market-cap weighted, with constituents screened for dividend sustainability and yield. The fund primarily holds common stocks and rebalances quarterly to maintain alignment with the index. By focusing on companies with consistent dividend payments, VYMI aims to provide investors with a steady income stream while offering potential for capital appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What index does VYMI track?

VYMI tracks the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, which includes high-dividend-yielding stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the United States.

Does VYMI pay dividends monthly or quarterly?

VYMI pays dividends quarterly, providing investors with regular income distributions.

How does VYMI differ from VYM?

VYMI focuses on international high-dividend-yielding stocks, while VYM invests in U.S. high-dividend-yielding companies. Both ETFs are from Vanguard but target different geographic markets.

What percentage of VYMI is in emerging markets?

As of the latest holdings, approximately 15-20% of VYMI's portfolio is allocated to emerging markets, with the remainder in developed international markets.

Is VYMI a good investment for retirement income?

VYMI can be a suitable component of a retirement income strategy due to its focus on high-dividend-yielding stocks, but investors should consider their overall asset allocation and risk tolerance when incorporating international equities.

Industry Overview

The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) provides exposure to the global high-dividend-yielding equity market, excluding U.S. stocks. Investing in international dividend-paying companies can offer diversification benefits and potential income stability, though it comes with additional risks such as currency fluctuations and varying regulatory environments. The ETF's focus on both developed and emerging markets allows investors to tap into growth opportunities worldwide while targeting companies with strong dividend histories. This makes VYMI a compelling option for those looking to balance income generation with international equity exposure.

Alternative Comparison

Compared to its closest peers like IDV and DWX, VYMI stands out for its lower expense ratio and broader diversification across both developed and emerging markets. While IDV also focuses on international high-dividend stocks, it has a higher expense ratio and less exposure to emerging markets. DWX, on the other hand, is more concentrated in developed markets and uses a different indexing methodology. VYMI's combination of low costs and comprehensive market coverage makes it a competitive option for investors seeking international dividend income.

Issuer Overview

Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment management companies, known for its low-cost index funds and ETFs. With a reputation for investor-friendly practices and a focus on long-term performance, Vanguard has become a trusted name in passive investing. The issuer's commitment to keeping expenses low and maintaining transparent investment strategies makes VYMI an attractive choice for cost-conscious investors seeking international dividend exposure.

Conclusion

The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) offers a cost-effective way to gain exposure to high-dividend-yielding stocks outside the U.S. With its diversified portfolio, low expense ratio, and focus on income generation, VYMI is well-suited for investors looking to enhance their portfolio's yield while maintaining international diversification. However, potential investors should be aware of the risks associated with currency fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties in international markets.

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