VEM vs. EMXC
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. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.
Performance
VEM vs. EMXC - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
VEM
- 1D
- 0.33%
- 1M
- 1.08%
- 6M
- —
- YTD
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
EMXC
- 1D
- 0.77%
- 1M
- 2.27%
- 6M
- 30.30%
- YTD
- 35.62%
- 1Y
- 58.26%
- 3Y*
- 26.85%
- 5Y*
- 12.40%
- 10Y*
- —
VEM vs. EMXC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF | 8.93% |
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF | 21.27% |
Correlation
The correlation between VEM and EMXC is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2026 | 0.97 |
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Return for Risk
VEM vs. EMXC — Risk / Return Rank
VEM
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
EMXC
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 ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.42 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 4.06 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 14.52 | — |
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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.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VEM | EMXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -13.55% | -42.81% | +29.26% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -14.41% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -19.12% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -28.91% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.85% | -7.98% | +2.13% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.08% | -10.14% | +6.06% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 4.02% | — |
Volatility
VEM vs. EMXC - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| VEM | EMXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 12.84% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 24.33% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 30.97% | 26.01% | +4.96% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.97% | 18.63% | +12.34% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 30.97% | 20.33% | +10.64% |
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 2.02%, more than EMXC's 1.96% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF | 1.96% | 2.82% | 2.69% | 1.83% | 2.85% | 1.78% | 1.45% | 3.25% | 2.63% | 0.99% |
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF | 2.02% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.97, 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.
Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VEM and EMXC have the same expense ratio: 0.49% per year.
VEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.02%, compared with 1.96% for EMXC.
They also come from different issuers: Virtus and iShares.
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