VEA vs VYM
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-02
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares (VEA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.88%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.
Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.37%. Launched in 2006, the fund has a 20-year track record.
Quick Verdict
Both funds have nearly identical expense ratios (0.03% vs 0.04%), so fees are not a differentiator here. Over the past year, VEA has significantly outperformed with a 27.7% return vs 15.0%. Income investors may prefer VEA for its higher yield (2.9% vs 2.4%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
0 of top 9 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
VEA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 2.18% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.77% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 1.24% |
| Roche Holding AGROC1.L | 1.03% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.00% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 0.99% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 0.98% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 0.86% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 0.80% |
VYM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Broadcom Inc.AVGO | 6.48% |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM | 3.36% |
| Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM | 2.83% |
| Johnson & JohnsonJNJ | 2.63% |
| Walmart Inc.WMT | 2.44% |
| AbbVie Inc.ABBV | 1.81% |
| The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG | 1.72% |
| The Home Depot, Inc.HD | 1.66% |
| Chevron CorporationCVX | 1.54% |
| Caterpillar Inc.CAT | 1.51% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VEA if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose VEA if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.