VEM vs. ASGM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and ASGM (Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while ASGM is a Tactical Allocation fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for ASGM.

Performance

VEM vs. ASGM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF (ASGM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VEM

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 1.08%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASGM

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.03%
• 6M: 14.35%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEM vs. ASGM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	8.93%
ASGM Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF	10.51%

Correlation

The correlation between VEM and ASGM is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2026	0.82

Return for Risk

VEM vs. ASGM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF (ASGM). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

VEM vs. ASGM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEM drawdown since its inception was -13.55%, which is greater than ASGM's maximum drawdown of -6.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEM and ASGM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEM	ASGM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.55%	-6.62%	-6.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.85%	-4.96%	-0.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.08%	-1.53%	-2.55%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEM	ASGM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.97%	16.92%	+14.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.97%	16.92%	+14.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.97%	16.92%	+14.05%

VEM vs. ASGM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than ASGM's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEM vs. ASGM - Dividend Comparison

VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than ASGM's 3.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ASGM Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF	3.86%	4.52%
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	2.02%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEM and ASGM in my portfolio?

VEM and ASGM have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VEM or ASGM?

On fees, VEM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEM or ASGM?

VEM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for ASGM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEM or ASGM?

ASGM has the higher dividend yield at 3.86%, compared with 2.02% for VEM.

What is the main difference between VEM and ASGM?

VEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while ASGM is Tactical Allocation. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VEM and 0.86% for ASGM.