VYM pays higher dividends, but VIG has delivered better total returns over 10 years for retirees.

Vanguard's VYM ETF offers retirees significantly higher quarterly income with a 2.35% yield compared to VIG's 1.51%, generating about $8,400 more annually on a $1 million investment. However, VIG has outperformed VYM in total returns over the past decade, with a 12.87% annualized return versus 11.28%, due to its focus on dividend growth stocks with stronger earnings and higher valuations. VYM targets high-yield, value stocks with lower valuations but more economic cyclicality. Retirees prioritizing income may prefer VYM, while those focused on long-term wealth growth might choose VIG or a balanced split of both ETFs.

VIG holds a larger market cap of $132.40 billion compared to VYM's $100.80 billion as of Oct 11, 2026, 16:31 WIB, indicating its broader investor base. On Pluang, VIG trades at USD 239.05 with a 0.70% gain over one day, while VYM is priced at USD 158.75, up 0.32%. Typical holding periods are similar, around 134-139 days, with VYM showing a full buy-side order activity and VIG slightly more mixed at 88% buy and 12% sell, reflecting differing investor strategies on the platform.