VEM vs. VUS

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while VUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for VUS.

Performance

VEM vs. VUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS). 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*: —

VUS

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 2.27%
• 6M: 16.65%
• YTD: 19.53%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEM vs. VUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	8.93%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	12.00%

Correlation

The correlation between VEM and VUS is 0.86, 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	0.86

Return for Risk

VEM vs. VUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) and Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS). 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. VUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEM drawdown since its inception was -13.55%, which is greater than VUS's maximum drawdown of -9.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEM and VUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEM	VUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.55%	-9.45%	-4.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.85%	-0.91%	-4.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.08%	-1.54%	-2.54%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEM	VUS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.97%	14.94%	+16.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.97%	14.94%	+16.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.97%	14.94%	+16.03%

VEM vs. VUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VUS's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEM vs. VUS - Dividend Comparison

VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, more than VUS's 1.29% yield.

Position	TTM
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	2.02%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEM and VUS in my portfolio?

VEM and VUS have a correlation of 0.86, 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 VUS?

On fees, VUS is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEM or VUS?

VUS is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for VEM.

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

VEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.02%, compared with 1.29% for VUS.

What is the main difference between VEM and VUS?

VEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VUS is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VEM and 0.25% for VUS.