IEMG vs. VWO

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IEMG returned 10.62%/yr vs 8.98%/yr for VWO. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IEMG charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VWO.

Performance

IEMG vs. VWO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEMG achieves a 23.22% return, which is significantly higher than VWO's 9.50% return. Over the past 10 years, IEMG has outperformed VWO with an annualized return of 10.62%, while VWO has yielded a comparatively lower 8.98% annualized return.

IEMG

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: -0.88%
• YTD: 23.22%
• 6M: 23.74%
• 1Y: 41.51%
• 3Y*: 22.40%
• 5Y*: 7.12%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

VWO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 22.86%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 4.72%
• 10Y*: 8.98%

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

IEMG vs. VWO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	23.22%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	9.50%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	31.49%

Correlation

The correlation between IEMG and VWO is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.98

The correlation between IEMG and VWO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

IEMG vs. VWO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IEMG	VWO
Technology	42.1%	31.6%
Financial Services	16.7%	16.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	8.7%
Industrials	8.0%	6.8%
Basic Materials	6.3%	7.0%
Communication Services	5.6%	5.8%
Energy	3.3%	3.6%
Healthcare	3.2%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	3.1%
Utilities	1.9%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.6%	1.8%

Return for Risk

IEMG vs. VWO — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 69
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 72
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 46
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

IEMG vs. VWO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) 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.

	IEMG	VWO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.37	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	1.92	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.26	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	2.06	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.46	7.20	+4.27

IEMG vs. VWO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEMG Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is higher than the VWO Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEMG and VWO, 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

IEMG vs. VWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEMG drawdown since its inception was -38.71%, smaller than the maximum VWO drawdown of -67.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEMG and VWO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEMG	VWO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.71%	-67.68%	+28.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.21%	-11.17%	-2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.21%	-17.37%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.75%	-32.60%	-3.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.71%	-36.39%	-2.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.45%	-3.98%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.93%	-15.78%	+2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.63%	3.18%	+0.45%

Volatility

IEMG vs. VWO - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a higher volatility of 11.67% compared to Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) at 7.06%. This indicates that IEMG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IEMG	VWO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	7.06%	+4.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.13%	14.60%	+5.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.00%	16.82%	+5.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.99%	17.58%	+1.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.19%	19.17%	+1.02%

IEMG vs. VWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEMG has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VWO's 0.08% 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

IEMG vs. VWO - Dividend Comparison

IEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, less than VWO's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.19%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%
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 IEMG and VWO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, IEMG and VWO 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, IEMG or VWO?

IEMG has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to VWO (7.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEMG dropped -38.71% vs VWO's -67.68%.

Which ETF is better, IEMG or VWO?

On 10-year performance, IEMG leads with 10.62% vs 8.98% for VWO. On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, VWO has been the lower-risk option at 7.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IEMG or VWO?

Over the 10-year period, IEMG has performed better with a 10.62% return vs 8.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEMG or VWO?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for IEMG.

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

VWO has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 2.19% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between IEMG and VWO?

IEMG is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while VWO is Emerging Markets Equities. IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IEMG and 0.08% for VWO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.37), 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.