ESGE vs. VEXC

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ESGE (iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - ESGE tracks the MSCI EM Extended ESG Focus Index while VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESGE charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

ESGE vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) 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, ESGE achieves a 17.75% return, which is significantly lower than VEXC's 18.87% return.

ESGE

• 1D: -3.62%
• 1M: -4.97%
• 6M: 11.26%
• YTD: 17.75%
• 1Y: 34.66%
• 3Y*: 19.28%
• 5Y*: 5.88%
• 10Y*: —

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)

ESGE vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	17.75%	2.63%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	18.87%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGE and VEXC is 0.92, 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	0.92

Return for Risk

ESGE vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGE

ESGE Risk / Return Rank: 58
ESGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
ESGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
ESGE Omega Ratio Rank: 59
ESGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
ESGE Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

ESGE vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) 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.

	ESGE	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.74	—	—

Drawdowns

ESGE vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGE drawdown since its inception was -41.07%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGE and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGE	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.07%	-12.42%	-28.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.71%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.10%	-4.77%	-4.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.36%	-2.33%	-12.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.97%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESGE	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.16%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.52%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.60%	20.20%	+3.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.88%	20.20%	-0.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.25%	20.20%	+0.05%

ESGE vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGE has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ESGE vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

ESGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, more than VEXC's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	2.20%	2.50%	2.41%	2.64%	2.68%	2.66%	1.31%	2.59%	2.19%	1.86%	0.27%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGE and VEXC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, ESGE and VEXC 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 ETF is better, ESGE 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, ESGE or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for ESGE.

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

ESGE has the higher dividend yield at 2.20%, compared with 1.45% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between ESGE and VEXC?

ESGE tracks MSCI EM Extended ESG Focus Index, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for ESGE and 0.07% for VEXC.