AGEM vs. VEXC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

AGEM (abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. AGEM is actively managed, while VEXC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AGEM charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

AGEM vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AGEM achieves a 21.94% return, which is significantly higher than VEXC's 17.93% return.

AGEM

• 1D: -2.33%
• 1M: -6.66%
• 6M: 14.78%
• YTD: 21.94%
• 1Y: 40.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEXC

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -2.43%
• 6M: 13.21%
• YTD: 17.93%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AGEM vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	21.94%	3.15%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	17.93%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between AGEM and VEXC is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

AGEM vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AGEM

AGEM Risk / Return Rank: 67
AGEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AGEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
AGEM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
AGEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
AGEM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VEXC

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AGEM vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AGEM	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.11	—	—

Drawdowns

AGEM vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AGEM drawdown since its inception was -15.58%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AGEM and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AGEM	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.58%	-12.42%	-3.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.29%	-5.52%	-3.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-2.37%	-0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.02%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AGEM	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.57%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.60%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.56%	20.12%	+3.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.32%	20.12%	+3.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.32%	20.12%	+3.20%

AGEM vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

AGEM has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

AGEM vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

AGEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, more than VEXC's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	1.99%	1.80%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.46%	0.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AGEM and VEXC in my portfolio?

AGEM and VEXC have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AGEM or VEXC?

On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AGEM or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for AGEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AGEM or VEXC?

AGEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.99%, compared with 1.46% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between AGEM and VEXC?

They also come from different issuers: abrdn and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for AGEM and 0.07% for VEXC.