VEM vs. SCHE
VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. VEM is actively managed, while SCHE is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SCHE.
Performance
VEM vs. SCHE - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
VEM
- 1D
- 0.33%
- 1M
- 1.08%
- 6M
- —
- YTD
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
SCHE
- 1D
- 0.86%
- 1M
- 2.32%
- 6M
- 7.81%
- YTD
- 11.04%
- 1Y
- 23.88%
- 3Y*
- 17.50%
- 5Y*
- 5.62%
- 10Y*
- 8.35%
VEM vs. SCHE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF | 8.93% |
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF | 5.07% |
Correlation
The correlation between VEM and SCHE is 0.93, 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 | 0.93 |
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Return for Risk
VEM vs. SCHE — Risk / Return Rank
VEM
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
SCHE
VEM vs. SCHE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE). 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 | SCHE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.26 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 2.12 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 7.31 | — |
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Drawdowns
VEM vs. SCHE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VEM drawdown since its inception was -13.55%, smaller than the maximum SCHE drawdown of -36.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEM and SCHE.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VEM | SCHE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -13.55% | -36.20% | +22.65% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -11.29% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -17.08% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -31.40% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -36.20% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.85% | -2.35% | -3.50% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.08% | -12.54% | +8.46% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 3.28% | — |
Volatility
VEM vs. SCHE - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| VEM | SCHE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 6.37% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 15.13% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 30.97% | 17.46% | +13.51% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.97% | 17.88% | +13.09% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 30.97% | 19.40% | +11.57% |
VEM vs. SCHE - Expense Ratio Comparison
VEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHE's 0.11% expense ratio.
Dividends
VEM vs. SCHE - Dividend Comparison
VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than SCHE's 2.62% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF | 2.62% | 2.88% | 3.03% | 3.83% | 2.88% | 2.86% | 2.09% | 3.27% | 2.64% | 2.31% | 2.27% | 2.50% |
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% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.93, VEM and SCHE 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.
On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
SCHE is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for VEM.
SCHE has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.02% for VEM.
They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VEM and 0.11% for SCHE.
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