EMSC vs. VWO

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

EMSC (Sophus Capital Emerging Market Small Cap ETF) and VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. EMSC is actively managed, while VWO is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMSC charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VWO.

Performance

EMSC vs. VWO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sophus Capital Emerging Market Small Cap ETF (EMSC) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

EMSC

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 0.35%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VWO

• 1D: -1.98%
• 1M: 1.59%
• 6M: 6.04%
• YTD: 9.65%
• 1Y: 22.23%
• 3Y*: 16.68%
• 5Y*: 5.75%
• 10Y*: 8.27%

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

EMSC vs. VWO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
EMSC Sophus Capital Emerging Market Small Cap ETF	-0.03%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	0.48%

Correlation

The correlation between EMSC and VWO is 0.83, 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 May 21, 2026	0.83

Return for Risk

EMSC vs. VWO — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMSC

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

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 45
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

EMSC vs. VWO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sophus Capital Emerging Market Small Cap ETF (EMSC) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). 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.

	EMSC	VWO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.31	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.86	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.00	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.90	—

Drawdowns

EMSC vs. VWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMSC drawdown since its inception was -7.52%, smaller than the maximum VWO drawdown of -67.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMSC and VWO.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMSC	VWO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.52%	-67.68%	+60.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.17%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.37%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.90%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.09%	-3.85%	-3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.36%	-15.77%	+12.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.23%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EMSC	VWO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.41%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.74%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.99%	17.08%	+16.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.99%	17.61%	+16.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.99%	19.14%	+14.85%

EMSC vs. VWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMSC has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VWO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMSC vs. VWO - Dividend Comparison

EMSC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMSC Sophus Capital Emerging Market Small Cap ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.35%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMSC and VWO in my portfolio?

EMSC and VWO have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EMSC or VWO?

On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMSC or VWO?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for EMSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMSC or VWO?

VWO has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 0.00% for EMSC.

What is the main difference between EMSC and VWO?

They also come from different issuers: Sophus Capital and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for EMSC and 0.08% for VWO.