VYM vs VIG: Dividend Yield, Total Return & Fees Compared
Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF SharesVanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares
Data as of the close · refreshed automatically every trading day
VYM vs VIG at a glance
This page compares Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) with Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares (VIG) using prices and distributions through September 25, 2026. The numbers update automatically after each trading session.
With dividends reinvested, VYM has led over the last 12 months at +15.53% versus +12.63% for VIG. VYM currently yields 2.33% (trailing 12-month) against 1.51% for VIG. Across five years the total-return gap is +73.66% for VYM vs +63.89% for VIG.
VYM 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.
| Metric | VYM | VIG |
|---|---|---|
| Last close | $157.68 | $237.58 |
| Dividend yield | 2.33% (TTM) | 1.51% (TTM) |
| Expense ratio | — | — |
| Pays | quarterly | quarterly |
| Dividends, last 12 months | $3.68 (4 payments) | $3.58 (4 payments) |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Inception | — | — |
Performance: VYM vs VIG
Total return assumes every distribution is reinvested. Switch to price return to see the change in share price alone.
Total Return (%) · dividends reinvested · Sep 25, 2025 – Sep 25, 2026
Overview
Key fund stats as of the latest close.
Total returns
Price change plus dividends paid, by holding period. Best in each period is outlined.
Dividends
Latest payout, trailing 12-month total and the last 12 distributions.
Recent dividend payments
The latest 12 distributions per share for each fund, newest first.
| VYM | VIG | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 18, 2026 | $0.887 | Jun 26, 2026 | $0.999 |
| Jun 18, 2026 | $0.980 | Mar 27, 2026 | $0.833 |
| Mar 20, 2026 | $0.862 | Dec 22, 2025 | $0.884 |
| Dec 19, 2025 | $0.947 | Sep 29, 2025 | $0.865 |
| Sep 19, 2025 | $0.842 | Jun 30, 2025 | $0.871 |
| Jun 20, 2025 | $0.862 | Mar 27, 2025 | $0.938 |
| Mar 21, 2025 | $0.850 | Dec 23, 2024 | $0.876 |
| Dec 20, 2024 | $0.964 | Sep 27, 2024 | $0.835 |
| Sep 20, 2024 | $0.851 | Jun 28, 2024 | $0.899 |
| Jun 21, 2024 | $1.02 | Mar 22, 2024 | $0.769 |
| Mar 15, 2024 | $0.656 | Dec 21, 2023 | $0.916 |
| Dec 18, 2023 | $1.10 | Sep 28, 2023 | $0.771 |
VYM vs VIG: common questions
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or VIG?
As of September 25, 2026, VYM yields 2.33% (trailing 12-month) and VIG yields 1.51% (trailing 12-month), so VYM currently pays the higher yield. A higher yield does not guarantee a higher total return.
Which has performed better, VYM or VIG?
Over the past year with dividends reinvested, VYM returned +15.53% and VIG returned +12.63%. Over five years, VYM returned +73.66% and VIG returned +63.89%. Past performance does not predict future results.
What would $10,000 in VYM vs VIG be worth after one year?
With dividends reinvested, $10,000 invested one year before September 25, 2026 would have grown to about $11,553 in VYM and $11,263 in VIG.
How often do VYM and VIG pay dividends?
VYM pays quarterly (4 payments in the last 12 months) and VIG pays quarterly (4 payments).
Is VYM or VIG the better investment?
It depends on your goals, time horizon and tax situation. Income-focused investors often weigh yield and payment frequency, while long-term investors usually compare total return and fees. Dividend Duel is an educational tool and does not provide investment advice.
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Figures come from end-of-day prices and distributions and are recalculated after every trading session; see our methodology. This page is for education only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Read the full disclosure.