KSA vs. VEXC

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

KSA (iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - KSA tracks the MSCI Saudi Arabia Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50 Index while VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KSA charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

KSA vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) 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, KSA achieves a 3.48% return, which is significantly lower than VEXC's 18.87% return.

KSA

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -4.32%
• 6M: -0.38%
• YTD: 3.48%
• 1Y: -1.95%
• 3Y*: -1.39%
• 5Y*: 1.62%
• 10Y*: 7.27%

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)

KSA vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KSA iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF	3.48%	-8.45%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	18.87%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between KSA and VEXC is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.40

Return for Risk

KSA vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

KSA

KSA Risk / Return Rank: 8
KSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
KSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
KSA Omega Ratio Rank: 7
KSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
KSA Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

KSA vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) 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.

	KSA	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.12	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.06	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.17	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.37	—	—

Drawdowns

KSA vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KSA drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KSA and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	KSA	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-12.42%	-28.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.87%	-4.77%	-13.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.48%	-2.33%	-9.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KSA	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.20%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.90%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.43%	20.20%	-3.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.96%	20.20%	-4.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.99%	20.20%	-0.21%

KSA vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

KSA has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

KSA vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

KSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, more than VEXC's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KSA iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF	2.78%	2.95%	3.44%	2.44%	1.93%	1.58%	1.76%	2.15%	2.51%	2.30%	3.05%	0.04%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KSA and VEXC in my portfolio?

KSA and VEXC have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KSA 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, KSA or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.74% for KSA.

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

KSA has the higher dividend yield at 2.78%, compared with 1.45% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between KSA and VEXC?

KSA tracks MSCI Saudi Arabia Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50 Index, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for KSA and 0.07% for VEXC.