Vanguard has emerged as a leading force in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) market, recently surpassing BlackRock to become the largest U.S. ETF provider by assets. The firm currently manages approximately $4.7 trillion in ETF assets, highlighted by the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which became the first fund to exceed $1 trillion in assets under management in June 2026.
Since launching its first ETF, the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI), in 2001, Vanguard has expanded its offerings to 116 ETFs, focusing on a range of dividend-focused investments. Among these are the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM).
The VIG, with over $112 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, concentrates on U.S. companies with a history of increasing their dividends, targeting stable growth over high yield. Currently yielding 1.47% or $3.58 per share annually, the fund has gained approximately 11% year-to-date.
On the other hand, the VYM tracks the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, providing exposure to U.S. companies expected to pay above-average dividends. With around $83 billion in assets and the same expense ratio as the VIG, it currently yields 2.2% or $3.63 per share annually. The VYM has gained about 15% year-to-date, benefiting from increased institutional interest.
Additionally, the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) focuses on high-yield international equities. With approximately $21.3 billion in assets, it has an expense ratio of 0.07% and offers a yield of 3.42% or $3.60 per share, outperforming its U.S. counterparts with a year-to-date gain of nearly 17%.
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