What is the difference in expense ratios between DFIV and VYMI?

DFIV has an expense ratio of 0.27%, whereas VYMI's expense ratio is 0.07%. This 0.20 percentage point difference is significant for long-term investors. While DFIV's cost is higher, it may reflect its active management style or specific strategy. VYMI, with its lower cost, is designed for efficient index tracking. Investors should consider how these fees impact net returns over time.

What does a higher dividend yield imply about an ETF?

A higher dividend yield, like VYMI's 3.58% compared to DFIV's 2.57%, often suggests the fund pays out more cash to investors relative to its share price. While attractive for income needs, a high yield can sometimes indicate market concerns about sustainability or potential 'yield traps'. Investors should look beyond yield to assess the underlying companies' financial health and payout consistency.

How do the inception dates of DFIV and VYMI compare?

DFIV was launched in April 1999, giving it a long track record of over 25 years. VYMI, established in February 2016, has a much shorter history of roughly 10 years. The longer timeframe of DFIV allows investors to assess performance across various economic cycles. However, VYMI's shorter history means less historical data for evaluating consistency during specific market conditions.

What is meant by 'Foreign Large Value' category?

Both funds are classified under the 'Foreign Large Value' category, indicating they invest in large-capitalisation companies outside the US that are perceived as undervalued. This category targets firms with potentially stable cash flows and solid fundamentals. While they share this label, their specific approaches to selecting value stocks may differ, impacting their risk-return profiles and sector exposures.

How do the top holdings of DFIV and VYMI compare?

DFIV lists SHEL (3.34%) and BP (0.98%) among its top holdings. For VYMI, the specific top holdings are not available. Consequently, there is no overlap in the listed top holdings. Investors cannot directly compare the specific companies in each portfolio without more data from VYMI.

What are the risks of active management vs index tracking?

DFIV is actively managed, which can lead to variability in performance due to manager decisions. VYMI, likely index-based, aims to minimise such variability but may incur lower costs. Active funds might outperform in some conditions but could underperform in others due to higher fees or specific strategy risks.

How do international value stocks contribute to portfolio risk?

Investing in international value stocks exposes a portfolio to foreign exchange fluctuations, different regulatory environments, and geopolitical risks. While value stocks may offer stability during market downturns, international investments add complexity. Investors should consider these factors alongside domestic holdings to maintain diversification.

Is a 0.20% fee difference material for long-term investors?

Yes, even small fee differences can compound significantly over time. A 0.20% higher expense ratio for DFIV means that for every £1,000 invested, £2 more goes to fees annually compared to VYMI. Over 20 years, this difference could materially affect final wealth accumulation, particularly in lower-return environments.

What type of investor might find DFIV or VYMI more aligned?

Investors focused on cost efficiency and dividend income might be more attracted to VYMI due to its lower expense ratio and higher yield. Those interested in active management and a longer track record might consider DFIV, accepting its higher fee structure. Alignment depends on prioritising cost, income, or manager discretion.

Why might sector weightings be important in this comparison?

Sector weightings reveal the concentration and diversification within a fund. However, for both DFIV and VYMI, current sector weights are not available. This limits investors' ability to compare specific sector exposures, such as financials, industrials, or energy, which could impact how each fund reacts to sector-specific economic trends.

What is the significance of net assets in ETF comparisons?

DFIV has $22.2 billion in net assets, while VYMI holds $21.7 billion. Both figures indicate substantial liquidity and market presence, which generally lead to tighter bid-ask spreads. High asset levels reduce risks of fund closure and ensure efficient trading for most investors.

What does a 'not available' index track mean for these funds?

For both DFIV and VYMI, the index tracked is listed as 'not available'. This could imply that the methodology or benchmark isn't publicly detailed or easily comparable. Investors should understand that without clear index information, assessing replication error or benchmark adherence becomes challenging, potentially affecting transparency in performance evaluation.

DFIV vs VYMI

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). This page reviews fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market. DFIV has a 0.27% expense ratio; VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio. DFIV yields 2.57%; VYMI yields 3.58%. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

DFIV

Metric

VYMI

0.27%

Expense Ratio

0.07%

2.57%

Dividend Yield

3.58%

$22.16B

Net Assets

$21.68B

609

Holdings

1,661

Apr 16, 1999

Inception Date

Feb 25, 2016

–

Index Tracked

–

Foreign Large Value

Fund Category

Foreign Large Value

VYMI costs about $20.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

Discover More Comparisons

DFIV vs FNDF

Compare Dimensional DFIV and Schwab FNDF ETFs on fees, holdings and dividends. DFIV charges 0.27%, FNDF 0.25%. Yields are 2.57% and 2.96% respectively.

DFIV vs VXUS

Compare DFIV vs VXUS on fees, holdings and dividends. DFIV charges 0.27% with a 2.57% yield; VXUS charges 0.05% with a 2.28% yield for broad access.

DFIV vs VEA

Compare DFIV and VEA ETFs. Review 0.27% and 0.03% expense ratios, 2.57% and 2.35% dividend yields, holdings, and tracking to decide which fund to research.

Investment Analysis

DFIV

Pros

DFIV offers a long-established investment history since its inception in April 1999.
With $22.2 billion in net assets the fund provides substantial size and liquidity.
The portfolio is concentrated on international value stocks with a moderate 2.57% dividend yield.

Considerations

The 0.27% expense ratio is higher than many comparable index-tracking funds.
Index methodology and current sector weightings are not available for independent analysis.
Performance relies on active management which can introduce manager risk and variability.

VYMI

Pros

The 0.07% expense ratio is significantly lower than many competitor funds.
A 3.58% dividend yield is attractive for income-focused investors seeking cash flow.
Net assets of $21.7 billion ensure high liquidity and robust market presence.

Considerations

Inception in February 2016 means less historical track record data.
Current top holdings and sector weightings are not available for assessment.
Focus on high dividend yield may expose the fund to potential yield traps.

About DFIV and VYMI

DFIV (DFIV)

The Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) offers investors exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the United States and Canada. This fund focuses on companies in international markets that appear to be trading at lower valuations relative to their peers, often referred to as 'value' stocks. By investing in a diversified basket of hundreds of holdings, DFIV aims to capture the potential long-term returns associated with the value investment style while spreading risk across various sectors and regions. It provides a way to diversify a portfolio beyond domestic assets. However, international investing carries unique risks, including currency fluctuations and geopolitical events. The fund’s expense ratio is moderate, and it may distribute income. As with any investment, values can rise and fall, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

VYMI (VYMI)

The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF offers a way to gain exposure to developed markets outside the United States, focusing specifically on companies with higher-than-average dividend yields. This exchange-traded fund holds a diversified basket of over 1,600 stocks, aiming to provide income potential from mature international businesses. With a very low expense ratio of 0.07%, it is designed for cost-conscious investors seeking broad diversification. While it provides a historic yield of approximately 3.58%, investors should remember that dividend payments are not guaranteed and can fluctuate. The fund's value can rise or fall with market conditions, and past performance does not ensure future results. It is an option for those interested in international equity markets, particularly within the foreign large value category, balancing the potential for income with global diversification benefits.

Buy DFIV or VYMI in Nemo

🆓

Zero Commission

Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.

🔒

Trusted & Regulated

Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.

💰

6% Interest on Cash

Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.

DFIV vs VYMI

Fund Snapshot