What is the primary structural difference between LVHI and VYMI?

LVHI (Legg Mason LVHI ETF) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both Foreign Large Value ETFs, but they differ in cost and issuer. LVHI has an expense ratio of 0.40% and net assets of $6.0 billion, while VYMI charges 0.07% and manages $21.7 billion. LVHI offers a 4.61% dividend yield versus VYMI's 3.58%. Both launched in 2016, but VYMI benefits from Vanguard's low-cost index investing reputation.

How do the dividend yields of LVHI and VYMI compare?

LVHI offers a higher dividend yield of 4.61%, making it attractive for income-focused investors. In contrast, VYMI has a 3.58% yield, which is lower but still competitive among international dividend funds. The yield difference of 1.03 percentage points reflects LVHI's emphasis on higher payout stocks. However, yields can fluctuate with market prices, so investors should consider the total return potential, not just income generation, when evaluating either fund's long-term performance suitability.

What are the expense ratios and how do they affect returns?

LVHI charges an annual expense ratio of 0.40%, while VYMI is significantly cheaper at 0.07%. This 33 basis points difference means VYMI retains more of its gross return for investors. Over long periods, lower costs compound, enhancing net returns. LVHI's higher fee may reflect active management features, though specific methodology details are not disclosed. Investors should weigh the yield advantage against this cost differential when comparing these Foreign Large Value ETFs.

What is the difference between LVHI and VYMI?

LVHI and VYMI are both international dividend ETFs targeting foreign large value stocks. The key difference lies in their cost structure and management approach. LVHI charges a 0.40% expense ratio and offers a 4.61% yield, whereas VYMI charges only 0.07% with a 3.58% yield. LVHI provides a higher income stream but at a substantially greater cost, while VYMI prioritises low fees and broad market exposure through a highly liquid structure.

What is a Foreign Large Value ETF?

A Foreign Large Value ETF invests in established international companies that appear undervalued relative to their fundamentals. Both LVHI and VYMI fall into this category, seeking exposure to mature overseas firms with strong balance sheets. These funds typically target stable, income-generating equities outside the domestic market. Understanding this classification helps investors recognise that these ETFs focus on developed and emerging market giants rather than small-cap or growth-oriented foreign stocks, providing specific sector and geographic exposure.

Do LVHI and VYMI have overlapping holdings?

According to the available data, there are no shared top 10 holdings between LVHI and VYMI. This indicates that while both target Foreign Large Value stocks, they employ distinct stock selection criteria or weightings. LVHI's specific portfolio composition is not disclosed, unlike typical index funds. The lack of overlap suggests diversification benefits if an investor were to hold both, as they likely expose capital to different underlying companies despite similar categorisation.

Which ETF is better for international exposure?

Both LVHI and VYMI provide exposure to foreign large value stocks. VYMI tracks a high-dividend yield index with a very low 0.07% expense ratio, offering broad, cost-efficient access. LVHI, with a 0.40% fee, targets higher income with a 4.61% yield. Neither is objectively 'better'; the choice depends on whether an investor prioritises cost efficiency and passive indexing or potentially higher current income distributions from international equities.

How does net asset size impact these ETFs?

LVHI has $6.0 billion in net assets, while VYMI holds $21.7 billion. Both are large enough to ensure reasonable liquidity and operational stability. However, VYMI's significantly larger asset base offers deeper liquidity and potentially tighter bid-ask spreads for traders. While both funds are well-capitalised, the size difference highlights VYMI's broader adoption. Investors should consider that larger funds like VYMI may handle large block trades more efficiently, reducing transaction costs in volatile markets.

What does 'issuer transparency' mean for LVHI?

LVHI's issuer information is currently not available, which may limit transparency regarding management quality or operational reliability. In contrast, VYMI is managed by Vanguard, a firm with a well-established reputation for index investing and strong corporate governance. This transparency difference can impact investor confidence, as knowing the manager helps assess risk and track record. Lack of disclosed issuer details for LVHI requires investors to conduct additional due diligence.

How do the inception dates differ?

LVHI was launched on 27 July 2016, and VYMI on 25 February 2016. Both funds have similar track records, spanning from early to mid-2016. This close inception timing means both have experienced comparable market cycles, including recent periods of inflation and interest rate changes. The slight difference in start dates is unlikely to significantly impact comparative performance analysis, as both have matured sufficiently to provide historical data for risk assessment and yield consistency.

How do dividend distributions work for these ETFs?

Both LVHI and VYMI pay dividends to shareholders, but the frequency and amount vary. LVHI's 4.61% yield suggests higher cash distributions, potentially paid quarterly or annually depending on the fund's structure. VYMI's 3.58% yield reflects a slightly lower payout rate. Investors receive these distributions as taxable income unless held in a tax-sheltered account. The exact distribution schedule and method for reinvestment depend on the individual fund's operational protocols.

How should beginners compare expense ratios?

Beginners should compare expense ratios as annual fees deducted from assets. LVHI costs 0.40%, while VYMI costs 0.07%. A lower ratio means more money stays invested. For example, on a $10,000 investment, LVHI charges $40 annually versus $7 for VYMI. Over time, this difference compounds, potentially widening the performance gap. Always check if a higher fee, like LVHI's, is justified by extra income or specific strategy advantages, or if lower cost, like VYMI's, suffices.

LVHI vs VYMI

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

This page compares the Legg Mason LVHI ETF and the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF. It examines their fees, holdings, dividends, and how each fund tracks its market. LVHI has a 4.61% yield and a 0.40% expense ratio, while VYMI has a 3.58% yield and a 0.07% expense ratio. Both target foreign large value stocks, with top-10 holdings showing no overlap. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

LVHI

Metric

VYMI

0.40%

Expense Ratio

0.07%

4.61%

Dividend Yield

3.58%

$5.95B

Net Assets

$21.68B

219

Holdings

1,661

Jul 27, 2016

Inception Date

Feb 25, 2016

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Index Tracked

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Foreign Large Value

Fund Category

Foreign Large Value

VYMI costs about $33.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

LVHI

Pros

The fund offers a higher dividend yield of 4.61%, providing stronger income generation for investors.
With $6.0 billion in net assets, the fund maintains a sufficient size to support stable operations.
The fund's structure as a Foreign Large Value ETF offers targeted exposure to international value opportunities.

Considerations

The expense ratio of 0.40% is substantially higher than comparable Vanguard funds, reducing net returns over time.
Issuer information is currently not available, which may limit transparency regarding management quality or reliability.
Specific index tracking methodology and top holdings are not disclosed, creating uncertainty about actual portfolio composition.

VYMI

Pros

The low expense ratio of 0.07% provides significant cost advantages over higher-fee competitors like Legg Mason LVHI.
Vanguard's established reputation for index investing and corporate governance enhances trust and reliability for investors.
With $21.7 billion in net assets, the fund benefits from exceptional liquidity and economies of scale.

Considerations

The dividend yield of 3.58% is notably lower than Legg Mason LVHI, offering reduced income generation.
Specific index tracking methodology and top holdings information are currently not available, limiting transparency.
Shared top-10 holdings with Legg Mason LVHI are none, indicating completely different portfolio compositions without overlap.

About LVHI and VYMI

LVHI (LVHI)

The Legg Mason LVHI ETF (LVHI) is an exchange-traded fund focused on large-cap value stocks in developed international markets. This fund aims to provide investors with exposure to established overseas companies that may be trading at attractive valuations. With a dividend yield of approximately 4.61%, it can be a useful component for those looking to combine potential income generation with global diversification. The fund holds around 219 companies and has been available to investors since July 2016. It carries an expense ratio of 0.40%, which is typical for international equity ETFs. Like all investment funds, the value of shares can fluctuate due to market conditions, currency movements, and changes in the underlying companies' performance.

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.

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LVHI vs VYMI

Fund Snapshot