This Dividend ETF Is Near Its Highest Level Ever -- Is It Too Late to Invest in It?

Core Insights - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has reached an all-time high and is up nearly 20% in the first half of 2025 [1] - The ETF tracks the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield index, focusing on international stocks that pay above-average dividends [5] - Despite being at a peak, the ETF remains an attractive investment option compared to U.S. high-dividend counterparts [9] ETF Performance and Composition - The ETF has a dividend yield of approximately 4.1% and a low expense ratio of 0.17% [5] - The portfolio consists of about 1,550 stocks, with 44% in European companies, 26% in developed Asia-Pacific markets, and 21% in emerging markets [6] - The top holdings include well-known companies such as Nestle, Novartis, Toyota, Shell, and Royal Bank of Canada [7] Valuation Metrics - The average P/E ratio of the ETF is 12.0, with an earnings growth rate of 13.7% over the past five years, resulting in a PEG ratio of 0.88 [10] - In comparison, the U.S.-focused Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a higher average P/E of 19.1 and a PEG ratio of 1.79 [10] Investment Outlook - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF is considered to have a significant valuation gap compared to U.S. high-dividend stocks, making it a potentially good value [11] - The ETF has been a top-performing investment in 2025, and there is confidence in adding to the investment at current prices [12]