FEMKX vs. VEMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FEMKX (Fidelity Emerging Markets) and VEMAX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FEMKX returned 12.36%/yr vs 8.92%/yr for VEMAX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FEMKX charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VEMAX.

Performance

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Emerging Markets (FEMKX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEMKX achieves a 27.91% return, which is significantly higher than VEMAX's 13.14% return. Over the past 10 years, FEMKX has outperformed VEMAX with an annualized return of 12.36%, while VEMAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.92% annualized return.

FEMKX

• 1D: 3.64%
• 1M: 7.14%
• YTD: 27.91%
• 6M: 29.94%
• 1Y: 55.13%
• 3Y*: 21.96%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 10Y*: 12.36%

VEMAX

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: 3.21%
• YTD: 13.14%
• 6M: 13.80%
• 1Y: 30.92%
• 3Y*: 16.73%
• 5Y*: 5.79%
• 10Y*: 8.92%

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

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FEMKX Fidelity Emerging Markets	27.91%	31.02%	7.12%	15.16%	-27.48%	1.25%	32.56%	33.67%	-18.03%	46.92%
VEMAX Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	13.14%	24.76%	11.34%	8.82%	-17.79%	0.85%	15.24%	20.29%	-14.59%	31.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FEMKX and VEMAX 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2006	0.95

The correlation between FEMKX and VEMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FEMKX vs. VEMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEMKX

FEMKX Risk / Return Rank: 81
FEMKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FEMKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FEMKX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
FEMKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FEMKX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

VEMAX

VEMAX Risk / Return Rank: 52
VEMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VEMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VEMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VEMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Emerging Markets (FEMKX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEMAX). 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.

	FEMKX	VEMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.98	+0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.72	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.36	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.19	2.70	+1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.95	9.85	+5.09

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEMKX Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is comparable to the VEMAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEMKX and VEMAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEMKX drawdown since its inception was -71.14%, which is greater than VEMAX's maximum drawdown of -66.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEMKX and VEMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEMKX	VEMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.14%	-66.45%	-4.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.00%	-11.05%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.13%	-15.78%	-3.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.88%	-32.46%	-8.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.24%	-36.11%	-7.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-0.73%	+0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.92%	-16.09%	-9.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.64%	3.03%	+0.61%

Volatility

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Emerging Markets (FEMKX) has a higher volatility of 11.90% compared to Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEMAX) at 6.10%. This indicates that FEMKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEMKX	VEMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.90%	6.10%	+5.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.29%	12.85%	+6.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.60%	15.10%	+6.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.48%	15.52%	+3.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.96%	16.50%	+2.46%

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEMKX has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than VEMAX's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEMKX vs. VEMAX - Dividend Comparison

FEMKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less than VEMAX's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEMKX Fidelity Emerging Markets	0.04%	0.05%	0.65%	1.11%	0.77%	6.00%	1.39%	1.71%	0.83%	0.08%	0.67%	0.51%
VEMAX Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.24%	2.74%	3.13%	3.47%	4.05%	2.57%	1.87%	3.20%	2.85%	2.31%	2.51%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEMKX and VEMAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, FEMKX and VEMAX 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 is riskier, FEMKX or VEMAX?

FEMKX has higher volatility (11.90%) compared to VEMAX (6.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEMKX dropped -71.14% vs VEMAX's -66.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEMKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.98), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.