AVXC vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVXC (Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. AVXC is actively managed, while IEMG is passively managed. Over the past year, AVXC returned 56.20% vs 43.66% for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVXC charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

AVXC vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF (AVXC) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVXC achieves a 31.52% return, which is significantly higher than IEMG's 21.95% return.

AVXC

• 1D: -5.67%
• 1M: 3.81%
• YTD: 31.52%
• 6M: 32.82%
• 1Y: 56.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IEMG

• 1D: -5.44%
• 1M: 1.74%
• YTD: 21.95%
• 6M: 22.64%
• 1Y: 43.66%
• 3Y*: 22.14%
• 5Y*: 7.05%
• 10Y*: 10.38%

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

AVXC vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AVXC Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF	31.52%	31.45%	-1.26%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	21.95%	32.56%	4.39%

Correlation

The correlation between AVXC and IEMG is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2024	0.91

The correlation between AVXC and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVXC vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVXC	IEMG
Technology	34.2%	42.1%
Financial Services	18.9%	16.7%
Industrials	8.7%	8.0%
Basic Materials	7.3%	6.3%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	8.5%
Energy	3.7%	3.3%
Communication Services	3.5%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	2.8%
Utilities	2.4%	1.9%
Healthcare	2.1%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.3%	1.6%

Return for Risk

AVXC vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVXC

AVXC Risk / Return Rank: 80
AVXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
AVXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
AVXC Omega Ratio Rank: 82
AVXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
AVXC Martin Ratio Rank: 82

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 64
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 66
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

AVXC vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF (AVXC) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

	AVXC	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	1.98	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	2.56	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.38	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	3.32	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.56	12.15	+3.41

AVXC vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVXC Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVXC and IEMG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AVXC vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVXC drawdown since its inception was -20.44%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVXC and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVXC	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.44%	-38.71%	+18.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.04%	-13.21%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.67%	-5.44%	-0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-12.93%	+9.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	3.61%	+0.01%

Volatility

AVXC vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF (AVXC) has a higher volatility of 13.12% compared to iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) at 12.22%. This indicates that AVXC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVXC	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.12%	12.22%	+0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.15%	20.14%	+1.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.03%	22.12%	+0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.83%	18.99%	+0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.83%	20.20%	-0.37%

AVXC vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVXC has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVXC vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

AVXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, less than IEMG's 2.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVXC Avantis Emerging Markets ex-China Equity ETF	2.06%	1.97%	1.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.21%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVXC and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AVXC and IEMG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AVXC or IEMG?

AVXC has higher volatility (13.12%) compared to IEMG (12.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVXC dropped -20.44% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, AVXC or IEMG?

On 1-year performance, AVXC leads with 56.20% vs 43.66% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IEMG has been the lower-risk option at 12.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVXC or IEMG?

Over the 1-year period, AVXC has performed better with a 56.20% return vs 43.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVXC or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVXC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVXC or IEMG?

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.21%, compared with 2.06% for AVXC.

What is the main difference between AVXC and IEMG?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for AVXC and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.98), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.