EMIF vs. VEXC

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

EMIF (iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EMIF tracks the S&P Emerging Markets Infrastructure Index while VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMIF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

EMIF vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF) 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, EMIF achieves a -1.12% return, which is significantly lower than VEXC's 18.87% return.

EMIF

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: -2.81%
• 6M: -2.95%
• YTD: -1.12%
• 1Y: 13.82%
• 3Y*: 9.47%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: 1.65%

VEXC

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: 0.09%
• 6M: 14.90%
• YTD: 18.87%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMIF vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EMIF iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF	-1.12%	6.58%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	18.87%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EMIF and VEXC is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.56

Return for Risk

EMIF vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMIF

EMIF Risk / Return Rank: 27
EMIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
EMIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
EMIF Omega Ratio Rank: 29
EMIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
EMIF Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

EMIF vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF) 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.

	EMIF	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.31	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.27	—	—

Drawdowns

EMIF vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMIF drawdown since its inception was -48.02%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMIF and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMIF	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.02%	-12.42%	-35.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.57%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.70%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.91%	-4.77%	-10.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.89%	-2.33%	-13.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.10%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EMIF	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.34%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.53%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.12%	20.20%	-4.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.72%	20.20%	-0.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.54%	20.20%	+0.34%

EMIF vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMIF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMIF vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

EMIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.28%, more than VEXC's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMIF iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF	4.28%	4.96%	4.12%	2.64%	3.08%	3.94%	2.54%	2.07%	2.64%	2.58%	3.16%	2.07%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.45%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMIF and VEXC in my portfolio?

EMIF and VEXC have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EMIF 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, EMIF or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for EMIF.

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

EMIF has the higher dividend yield at 4.28%, compared with 1.45% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between EMIF and VEXC?

EMIF tracks S&P Emerging Markets Infrastructure Index, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for EMIF and 0.07% for VEXC.