VXUS vs VYMI: Dividend Yield, Total Return & Fees Compared

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF Shares (VXUS) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYMI) are compared below using data through the November 9, 2026 close, refreshed after every trading day.

Over the past year, VYMI returned +24.11% with dividends reinvested, compared with +15.04% for VXUS. VYMI currently yields 3.62% (trailing 12-month) against 2.39% for VXUS. Across five years the total-return gap is +88.24% for VYMI vs +47.18% for VXUS.

VYMI leads on both current yield and 1-year total return. Yields and returns move with markets, so check the longer periods below before drawing conclusions.

Across 1,265 shared trading dates from October 26, 2021 to November 9, 2026, the largest observed peak-to-trough decline with dividends reinvested was -28.86% for VXUS and -24.08% for VYMI. These figures use the same available dates for both instruments, exclude intraday moves, and are not forecasts.

VXUS's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.0795 to $1.36 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

VYMI's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.708 to $1.26 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

Fund expense ratios are annual operating costs, not a bill added to the historical returns shown here. Trading spreads, brokerage costs and personal taxes can reduce an investor's realized return.

Review countries, currencies and portfolio concentration in the issuer documents. Read historical returns alongside distribution variability, and check tax treatment for your own jurisdiction separately.

Review Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF Shares (VXUS) payment history and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYMI) payment history before choosing assumptions for the dividend reinvestment calculator. Run each scenario separately; the calculator uses your rates rather than importing these historical returns.

For a cash target, use the income goal calculator. Read our guide to comparing dividend ETFs and data and editorial approach for context on the historical figures.