EEM vs. VXUS
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS).
EEM and VXUS are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. EEM is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. It was launched on Apr 11, 2003. VXUS is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI All Country World ex USA Investable Market Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2011. Both EEM and VXUS are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: EEM or VXUS.
Key characteristics
| EEM | VXUS | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 5.62% | 4.58% |
| 1Y Return | 12.20% | 12.25% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -5.17% | 1.22% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 1.49% | 5.61% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 2.43% | 4.36% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.88 | 0.99 |
| Daily Std Dev | 14.91% | 12.55% |
| Max Drawdown | -66.44% | -35.97% |
| Current Drawdown | -21.47% | -1.49% |
Correlation
The correlation between EEM and VXUS is 0.89, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
EEM vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, EEM achieves a 5.62% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 4.58% return. Over the past 10 years, EEM has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 2.43%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 4.36% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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EEM vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison
EEM has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.07% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
EEM vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.
Dividends
EEM vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison
EEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, less than VXUS's 3.28% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 2.49% | 2.63% | 2.50% | 1.99% | 1.45% | 2.76% | 2.22% | 1.87% | 1.88% | 2.48% | 2.22% | 2.04% |
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF | 3.28% | 3.24% | 3.09% | 3.10% | 2.14% | 3.06% | 3.18% | 2.73% | 2.93% | 2.83% | 3.40% | 2.70% |
Drawdowns
EEM vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum EEM drawdown since its inception was -66.44%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEM and VXUS. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
EEM vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a higher volatility of 5.03% compared to Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) at 4.06%. This indicates that EEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.