FRDM vs. VEXC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FRDM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index, while VEXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FRDM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

FRDM vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) 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, FRDM achieves a 39.87% return, which is significantly higher than VEXC's 20.67% return.

FRDM

• 1D: -6.27%
• 1M: 5.76%
• YTD: 39.87%
• 6M: 43.31%
• 1Y: 88.48%
• 3Y*: 35.26%
• 5Y*: 18.74%
• 10Y*: —

VEXC

• 1D: -3.33%
• 1M: 3.67%
• YTD: 20.67%
• 6M: 21.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FRDM vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	39.87%	15.33%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.67%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between FRDM and VEXC is 0.89, 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	0.89

Return for Risk

FRDM vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 90
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

FRDM vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) 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.

	FRDM	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.18	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.27	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.25	—	—

Drawdowns

FRDM vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRDM drawdown since its inception was -40.49%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRDM and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRDM	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.49%	-12.42%	-28.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.27%	-3.33%	-2.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.07%	-2.23%	-4.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FRDM	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.75%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.69%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.99%	20.27%	+7.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.67%	20.27%	+1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.26%	20.27%	+2.99%

FRDM vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRDM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRDM vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

FRDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.56%, more than VEXC's 1.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.56%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.43%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRDM and VEXC in my portfolio?

FRDM and VEXC have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FRDM 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, FRDM or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for FRDM.

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

FRDM has the higher dividend yield at 1.56%, compared with 1.43% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between FRDM and VEXC?

FRDM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while VEXC is Emerging Markets Equities. FRDM tracks Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: Freedom Funds and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for FRDM and 0.07% for VEXC.