VIG vs VYM: ETF Comparison
Compare VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and VYM (Vanguard 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.*
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VIG vs VYM: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, VIG narrowly leads VYM: +10.2% per year vs +9.4% per year — a gap of 0.8 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.
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VIG vs VYM Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIG | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | Vanguard | 4/21/2006 | 20.3y | +617.0% | +10.2% | 1.6% | 0.04% | A |
| VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | Vanguard | 11/10/2006 | 19.7y | +487.0% | +9.4% | 2.5% | 0.04% | A |
VIG vs VYM — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, VIG or VYM?
By average annual total return since inception, VIG narrowly leads VYM (+10.2% vs +9.4% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between VIG and VYM?
VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) is offered by Vanguard and currently yields 1.6%. VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 2.5%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +10.2% and +9.4% respectively.
Does VIG pay a higher dividend than VYM?
VIG currently yields 1.6% and VYM yields 2.5%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.