RLEMX vs. VEMRX

Last updated Jul 25, 2026

RLEMX (Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6) and VEMRX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, RLEMX returned 10.12%/yr vs 7.80%/yr for VEMRX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RLEMX charges 1.38%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VEMRX.

Performance

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6 (RLEMX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RLEMX achieves a 24.08% return, which is significantly higher than VEMRX's 8.59% return. Over the past 10 years, RLEMX has outperformed VEMRX with an annualized return of 10.12%, while VEMRX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.80% annualized return.

RLEMX

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 2.70%
• 6M: 14.58%
• YTD: 24.08%
• 1Y: 41.56%
• 3Y*: 26.16%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 10.12%
• ALL TIME*: 11.58%

VEMRX

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: -1.23%
• 6M: 3.20%
• YTD: 8.59%
• 1Y: 17.25%
• 3Y*: 15.12%
• 5Y*: 5.52%
• 10Y*: 7.80%
• ALL TIME*: 4.14%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
RLEMX Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VEMRX Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RLEMX Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6	24.08%	41.38%	7.60%	22.42%	-14.86%	5.43%	-0.02%	17.99%	-18.11%	28.02%
VEMRX Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	8.59%	24.84%	11.40%	8.88%	-17.74%	0.92%	15.29%	20.39%	-14.55%	31.44%

Correlation

The correlation between RLEMX and VEMRX is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.89

The correlation between RLEMX and VEMRX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RLEMX vs. VEMRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RLEMX

RLEMX Risk / Return Rank: 94
RLEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
RLEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
RLEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
RLEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
RLEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

VEMRX

VEMRX Risk / Return Rank: 31
VEMRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VEMRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VEMRX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
VEMRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VEMRX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6 (RLEMX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMRX). 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.

	RLEMX	VEMRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.86	1.07	+1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	1.55	+2.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.20	+0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.03	1.54	+2.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.71	5.26	+8.45

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RLEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.86, which is higher than the VEMRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RLEMX and VEMRX, 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

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RLEMX drawdown since its inception was -44.12%, which is greater than VEMRX's maximum drawdown of -36.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RLEMX and VEMRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RLEMX	VEMRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.12%	-36.01%	-8.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.41%	-11.04%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.25%	-15.74%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.17%	-30.65%	+1.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.12%	-36.01%	-8.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-4.76%	+2.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.38%	-12.74%	+2.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	3.22%	-0.17%

Volatility

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Volatility Comparison

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6 (RLEMX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMRX) have volatilities of 4.74% and 4.88%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RLEMX	VEMRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	4.88%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.78%	13.66%	-0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.70%	15.82%	-1.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.58%	15.64%	-1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.37%	16.48%	-0.11%

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RLEMX has a 1.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VEMRX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

RLEMX vs. VEMRX - Dividend Comparison

RLEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, less than VEMRX's 2.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RLEMX Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class R6	1.65%	2.05%	3.10%	3.76%	5.92%	4.89%	2.11%	2.45%	2.10%	1.99%	1.48%	0.00%
VEMRX Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	2.38%	2.79%	3.19%	3.53%	4.11%	2.63%	1.92%	3.26%	2.92%	2.35%	2.56%	3.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RLEMX and VEMRX in my portfolio?

RLEMX and VEMRX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RLEMX or VEMRX?

VEMRX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to RLEMX (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RLEMX dropped -44.12% vs VEMRX's -36.01%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RLEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.86 vs 1.07), 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.