SDY vs VYMI: ETF Comparison
Compare SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Aug 4, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
Sponsored by VegaShares
SDY vs VYMI: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, VYMI edges out SDY: +11.1% per year vs +9.0% per year — a gap of 2.1 percentage points annually. Total return counts both price movement and dividends, so this is the whole picture of each fund's performance, not just yield.
Keep the track records in mind: SDY has been trading for 20.7 years, while VYMI has only 10.4 years of history. A shorter track record means the younger fund's average has been shaped by fewer market environments — one strong or weak stretch moves the needle more.
Income investors will notice the yield gap: VYMI currently yields 4.0% vs SDY's 2.6%. Higher yield often comes with trade-offs in price appreciation, which is exactly why total return is the fairer scoreboard.
Sponsored by VegaShares
SDY vs VYMI Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDY | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | State Street | 11/8/2005 | 20.7y | +497.0% | +9.0% | 2.6% | 0.35% | A |
| VYMI | Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF | Vanguard | 2/25/2016 | 10.4y | +200.0% | +11.1% | 4.0% | 0.07% | B |
SDY vs VYMI — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, SDY or VYMI?
By average annual total return since inception, VYMI edges out SDY (+11.1% vs +9.0% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between SDY and VYMI?
SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) is offered by State Street and currently yields 2.6%. VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 4.0%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +9.0% and +11.1% respectively.
Does VYMI pay a higher dividend than SDY?
VYMI currently yields 4.0% and SDY yields 2.6%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.