Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
VWO vs VYM
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF versus Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VWO and VYM are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | VWO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.32% | 2.30% | Tie |
| Dividend safety | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 6.00% | 4.00% | VYM wins |
| Scale | $163.3B | $96.2B | VWO wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 1 wins | Tie |
Dimension by dimension
VWO and VYM have nearly identical yields (2.32% vs 2.30%)
Yields are within 5 basis points — effectively a coin-flip on income.
Safety scores are too close to call (7.9/10 vs 7.9/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VYM is cheaper (4.00% vs 6.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $200/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
VWO is 1.7× larger by AUM
Larger funds tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better for income, VWO or VYM?
VWO and VYM are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
VWO vs VYM: which has a higher dividend yield?
VWO yields 2.32% and VYM yields 2.30%. Yields are within 5 basis points — effectively a coin-flip on income.
Is VWO or VYM a safer dividend in 2026?
VWO scores 7.9/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VYM scores 7.9/10 (Solid). Both have comparable safety scores.
Which has better dividend growth, VWO or VYM?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VWO vs VYM: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Get emailed when VWO vs VYM data updates.
Already own VWO or VYM? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding either to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →