LDEM vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LDEM (iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LDEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI EM Extended ESG Leaders 5% Issuer Capped Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LDEM returned 1.55%/yr vs 8.35%/yr for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LDEM charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

LDEM vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF (LDEM) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LDEM achieves a 4.51% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 12.51% return.

LDEM

• 1D: -3.58%
• 1M: -0.44%
• YTD: 4.51%
• 6M: 3.95%
• 1Y: 18.72%
• 3Y*: 14.15%
• 5Y*: 1.55%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -3.04%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 12.51%
• 6M: 12.35%
• 1Y: 29.41%
• 3Y*: 18.90%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

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

LDEM vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
LDEM iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF	4.51%	32.49%	5.87%	6.49%	-22.46%	-2.03%	16.30%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	12.51%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	11.16%

Correlation

The correlation between LDEM and VXUS is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2020	0.82

The correlation between LDEM and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

LDEM vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LDEM	VXUS
Financial Services	24.2%	21.7%
Technology	23.4%	21.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	8.2%
Communication Services	10.0%	4.4%
Industrials	7.1%	15.6%
Basic Materials	6.9%	7.6%
Energy	4.2%	4.7%
Healthcare	3.4%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	4.8%
Utilities	2.6%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.5%	2.4%

Return for Risk

LDEM vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

LDEM

LDEM Risk / Return Rank: 30
LDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
LDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
LDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 30
LDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
LDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 32

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 55
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

LDEM vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF (LDEM) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	LDEM	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	1.81	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.47	2.46	-0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.34	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	2.62	-1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.47	10.07	-5.60

LDEM vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LDEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LDEM and VXUS, 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

LDEM vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LDEM drawdown since its inception was -40.82%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LDEM and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	LDEM	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.82%	-35.97%	-4.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.21%	-11.27%	-1.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.12%	-13.58%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.17%	-29.44%	-9.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.09%	-3.04%	-3.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.26%	-8.20%	-9.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.20%	2.93%	+1.27%

Volatility

LDEM vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF (LDEM) has a higher volatility of 9.21% compared to Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) at 7.07%. This indicates that LDEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LDEM	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.21%	7.07%	+2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.17%	14.44%	+1.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.58%	16.36%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.42%	16.27%	+3.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	17.03%	+3.88%

LDEM vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

LDEM has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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

LDEM vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

LDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.94%, more than VXUS's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LDEM iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF	2.94%	3.26%	2.64%	3.20%	4.93%	1.82%	1.89%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.59%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LDEM and VXUS in my portfolio?

LDEM and VXUS have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LDEM or VXUS?

LDEM has higher volatility (9.21%) compared to VXUS (7.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDEM dropped -40.82% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, LDEM or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, VXUS leads with 8.35% vs 1.55% for LDEM. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 7.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LDEM or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 8.35% return vs 1.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LDEM or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.16% for LDEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LDEM or VXUS?

LDEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.94%, compared with 2.59% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between LDEM and VXUS?

LDEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. LDEM tracks MSCI EM Extended ESG Leaders 5% Issuer Capped Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.16% for LDEM and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.01), 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.