VXUS vs VYM
VXUS vs VYM
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.69% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.65% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.15% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.66% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VXUS vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +26.65% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, VXUS is up 11.69% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +18.15% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.66% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -39.9% for VXUS and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and VYM share 10 holdings out of 8408 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2345:TW | 0.05% | 0.57% | 0.52% |
| SRE | 0.00% | 0.28% | 0.28% |
| HBAN | 0.05% | 0.15% | 0.10% |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNHI:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SIG:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VXUS shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or VYM?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or VYM?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.65% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.69% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or VYM?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VXUS and VYM?
VXUS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and VYM?
VXUS and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8408 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or VYM?
VXUS yields 2.60% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.