VEM vs. VEXC
VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. VEM is actively managed, while VEXC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.
Performance
VEM vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
VEM
- 1D
- -1.75%
- 1M
- -6.50%
- 6M
- —
- YTD
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
VEXC
- 1D
- -2.35%
- 1M
- -6.76%
- 6M
- 3.71%
- YTD
- 12.40%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.18K | $2.76K | $6.90K | |
| $2.38M | $2.32M | $2.90M |
VEM vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF | 2.66% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 4.70% |
Correlation
The correlation between VEM and VEXC is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2026 | 0.91 |
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Return for Risk
VEM vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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.
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Drawdowns
VEM vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VEM drawdown since its inception was -13.55%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEM and VEXC.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VEM | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -13.55% | -12.42% | -1.13% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -11.26% | -9.96% | -1.30% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.52% | -2.57% | -1.95% |
Volatility
VEM vs. VEXC - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| VEM | VEXC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 30.70% | 20.23% | +10.47% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.70% | 20.23% | +10.47% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 30.70% | 20.23% | +10.47% |
VEM vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison
VEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.
Dividends
VEM vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison
VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.14%, more than VEXC's 1.53% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF | 2.14% | 0.00% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 1.53% | 0.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.91, VEM and VEXC 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, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for VEM.
VEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.14%, compared with 1.53% for VEXC.
They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VEM and 0.07% for VEXC.
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