VEM vs. EMXC

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and EMXC (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. VEM is actively managed, while EMXC is passively managed. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

VEM vs. EMXC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

VEM

• 1D: 1.98%
• 1M: 2.82%
• 6M: 9.19%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

EMXC

• 1D: 3.13%
• 1M: -1.56%
• 6M: 18.15%
• YTD: 32.14%
• 1Y: 55.27%
• 3Y*: 25.17%
• 5Y*: 11.56%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 9.77%

*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)
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	$260.11M	$263.35M	$280.14M
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	$33.36K	$15.91K	$12.03K

VEM vs. EMXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	9.19%
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	18.15%

Correlation

The correlation between VEM and EMXC is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2026	0.96

VEM vs. EMXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEM	EMXC
Technology	39.0%	53.4%
Financial Services	21.7%	18.0%
Industrials	7.8%	6.5%
Basic Materials	7.3%	5.5%
Energy	5.4%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	2.8%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	2.4%
Communication Services	1.6%	2.9%
Utilities	1.1%	1.8%
Real Estate	0.9%	0.8%
Healthcare	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

VEM vs. EMXC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VEM

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

EMXC

EMXC Risk / Return Rank: 75
EMXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
EMXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
EMXC Omega Ratio Rank: 79
EMXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
EMXC Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VEM vs. EMXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VEM	EMXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.00	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.52	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.37	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.01	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	10.51	—

Drawdowns

VEM vs. EMXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEM drawdown since its inception was -13.55%, smaller than the maximum EMXC drawdown of -42.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEM and EMXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEM	EMXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.55%	-42.81%	+29.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.43%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.62%	-10.35%	+4.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-10.15%	+5.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.27%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEM	EMXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	10.72%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	25.98%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.99%	27.75%	+3.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.99%	19.09%	+11.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.99%	20.52%	+10.47%

VEM vs. EMXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VEM and EMXC have an expense ratio of 0.49%.

Dividends

VEM vs. EMXC - Dividend Comparison

VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.01%, which matches EMXC's 2.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	2.02%	2.82%	2.69%	1.83%	2.85%	1.78%	1.45%	3.25%	2.63%	0.99%
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	2.01%	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 VEM and EMXC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VEM and EMXC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, VEM or EMXC?

Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEM or EMXC?

VEM and EMXC have the same expense ratio: 0.49% per year.

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

VEM and EMXC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 2.01%.

What is the main difference between VEM and EMXC?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and iShares.