EZA vs. VEXC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EZA (iShares MSCI South Africa ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EZA tracks the MSCI South Africa Index while VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EZA charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

EZA vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) 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, EZA achieves a -2.56% return, which is significantly lower than VEXC's 20.21% return.

EZA

• 1D: -2.20%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: -2.56%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 34.67%
• 3Y*: 26.60%
• 5Y*: 8.78%
• 10Y*: 7.31%

VEXC

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 20.21%
• 6M: 23.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EZA vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EZA iShares MSCI South Africa ETF	-2.56%	13.01%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.21%	4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between EZA and VEXC is 0.72, 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 3, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

EZA vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EZA

EZA Risk / Return Rank: 30
EZA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
EZA Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
EZA Omega Ratio Rank: 30
EZA Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
EZA Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

EZA vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) 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.

	EZA	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.19	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EZA	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.12	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	2.21	-1.93

Drawdowns

EZA vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EZA drawdown since its inception was -64.64%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EZA and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EZA	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.64%	-12.42%	-52.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.94%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-62.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.84%	-1.20%	-16.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.92%	-2.23%	-14.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.30%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EZA	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.55%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.15%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.03%	18.89%	+12.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.69%	18.89%	+9.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.37%	18.89%	+12.48%

EZA vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EZA has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

EZA vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

EZA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.32%, more than VEXC's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EZA iShares MSCI South Africa ETF	6.32%	6.16%	7.26%	2.84%	3.90%	2.05%	5.51%	12.27%	3.81%	1.55%	4.10%	3.03%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	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 EZA and VEXC in my portfolio?

EZA and VEXC have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EZA 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, EZA or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EZA.

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

EZA has the higher dividend yield at 6.32%, compared with 0.74% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between EZA and VEXC?

EZA tracks MSCI South Africa Index, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EZA and 0.07% for VEXC.