VDIGX vs. EMXC

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

VDIGX (Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund) and EMXC (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF) are both funds - VDIGX is a Dividend fund actively managed by Vanguard, while EMXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. VDIGX is actively managed, while EMXC is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VDIGX returned 9.48%/yr vs 11.86%/yr for EMXC. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VDIGX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EMXC.

Performance

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDIGX achieves a 3.75% return, which is significantly lower than EMXC's 31.49% return.

VDIGX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 1.03%
• 6M: 3.98%
• YTD: 3.75%
• 1Y: 9.04%
• 3Y*: 12.72%
• 5Y*: 9.48%
• 10Y*: 12.01%
• ALL TIME*: 9.31%

EMXC

• 1D: 3.63%
• 1M: -10.17%
• 6M: 24.45%
• YTD: 31.49%
• 1Y: 51.85%
• 3Y*: 24.34%
• 5Y*: 11.86%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 9.75%

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

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	3.75%	11.11%	20.84%	8.11%	-4.89%	24.86%	12.04%	30.94%	0.08%	7.23%
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	31.49%	35.14%	2.68%	18.96%	-19.56%	8.54%	12.76%	15.80%	-12.96%	7.16%

Correlation

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

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2017	0.53

The correlation between VDIGX and EMXC shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDIGX	EMXC
Technology	25.6%	53.4%
Financial Services	20.1%	18.0%
Healthcare	16.1%	1.8%
Industrials	12.9%	6.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	2.4%
Basic Materials	2.6%	5.5%
Communication Services	2.3%	2.9%
Energy	1.1%	3.1%
Utilities	0.5%	1.8%
Real Estate	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

VDIGX vs. EMXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDIGX

VDIGX Risk / Return Rank: 19
VDIGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
VDIGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
VDIGX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VDIGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VDIGX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

EMXC

EMXC Risk / Return Rank: 81
EMXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
EMXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
EMXC Omega Ratio Rank: 82
EMXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
EMXC Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). 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.

	VDIGX	EMXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.90	1.94	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	2.46	-1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.36	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	3.62	-2.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.97	11.51	-7.54

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDIGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.90, which is lower than the EMXC Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDIGX and EMXC, 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

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDIGX drawdown since its inception was -45.23%, which is greater than EMXC's maximum drawdown of -42.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDIGX and EMXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDIGX	EMXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.23%	-42.81%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.09%	-14.41%	+5.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.23%	-19.12%	+8.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.18%	-28.91%	+12.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.98%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.62%	-10.79%	+9.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.63%	-10.14%	+3.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.31%	4.52%	-2.21%

Volatility

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) is 2.71%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) has a volatility of 11.69%. This indicates that VDIGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDIGX	EMXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	11.69%	-8.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.97%	25.18%	-17.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.22%	26.81%	-16.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	18.82%	-4.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.67%	20.41%	-4.74%

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDIGX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is lower than EMXC's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDIGX vs. EMXC - Dividend Comparison

VDIGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 23.66%, more than EMXC's 2.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	2.03%	2.82%	2.69%	1.83%	2.85%	1.78%	1.45%	3.25%	2.63%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	23.66%	21.90%	21.94%	2.29%	6.06%	5.45%	2.83%	4.70%	8.72%	5.16%	2.86%	5.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDIGX and EMXC in my portfolio?

VDIGX and EMXC 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 is riskier, VDIGX or EMXC?

EMXC has higher volatility (11.69%) compared to VDIGX (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDIGX dropped -45.23% vs EMXC's -42.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 0.90), 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.