■ ETF · August 24, 2026
VIG, VYM, VYMI: Comparing Vanguard's Dividend ETFs
Vanguard's three dividend ETFs—VIG, VYM, and VYMI—offer distinct yield and growth profiles. VYMI leads with a 3.42% yield and 17% YTD gain.
Vanguard's Dividend ETF Lineup
Vanguard, a major player in the ETF space, manages approximately $4.7 trillion in ETF assets. The firm offers 116 ETFs, including three dividend-focused funds: VIG, VYM, and VYMI. Each fund targets different segments of the dividend market, providing varying levels of yield and growth potential.
VIG: Dividend Appreciation
The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, focusing on companies with at least 10 consecutive years of increasing regular dividend payments. It excludes the top 25% highest-yielding stocks to avoid risk. With over $112 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, VIG yields 1.47% (or $3.58 per share annually). Its largest holding is Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) at 4.52%, alongside traditional dividend payers like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). The fund has gained approximately 11% year to date (YTD). For a detailed look at its payment history, see VIG dividend history.
VYM: High Dividend Yield
The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, providing exposure to U.S. companies forecast to pay above-average dividends. With about $83 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, VYM yields 2.2% (or $3.63 per share annually). Its largest sector is financials at 21.8%, followed by tech at 17% and healthcare at 13.1%. Top holdings include JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), Broadcom, and Johnson & Johnson. The fund has seen over $24 billion in inflows over the past 12 months and has outperformed the S&P 500 with a YTD gain of about 15%. For its payment record, refer to VYM dividend history.
VYMI: International High Dividend
The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) targets high-yield international equities, tracking a market-cap-weighted index of developed and emerging market firms (ex-U.S.) forecast to pay above-average dividends. With approximately $21.3 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.07%, VYMI yields 3.42% (or $3.60 per share annually), the highest among the three. Its portfolio includes HSBC Holdings (NYSE: HSBC), Novartis (NYSE: NVS), and Royal Bank of Canada (TSE: RY), with Japan as the largest geographic exposure at nearly 12%. International equities have outperformed U.S. counterparts in 2026, and VYMI has posted a YTD gain of nearly 17%. For its payment history, see VYMI dividend history.
What it means for income investors
These three Vanguard ETFs illustrate the trade-off between yield and growth. VYMI offers the highest current income but carries currency and geopolitical risks, while VIG and VYM provide domestic exposure with lower yields but potentially more stable growth. The choice depends on an investor's income needs and risk tolerance.
Reporting based on: Yahoo Finance. Figures verified against market data where available.