VEMAX vs. VEMRX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEMAX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VEMRX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VEMAX returned 9.04%/yr vs 9.10%/yr for VEMRX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VEMAX charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VEMRX.

Performance

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEMAX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VEMAX having a 13.97% return and VEMRX slightly higher at 14.01%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VEMAX having a 9.04% annualized return and VEMRX not far ahead at 9.10%.

VEMAX

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: 4.22%
• YTD: 13.97%
• 6M: 15.57%
• 1Y: 32.68%
• 3Y*: 18.62%
• 5Y*: 5.62%
• 10Y*: 9.04%

VEMRX

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: 4.23%
• YTD: 14.01%
• 6M: 15.61%
• 1Y: 32.78%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 5Y*: 5.68%
• 10Y*: 9.10%

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

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEMAX Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	13.97%	24.76%	11.34%	8.82%	-17.79%	0.85%	15.24%	20.29%	-14.59%	31.37%
VEMRX Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	14.01%	24.84%	11.40%	8.88%	-17.74%	0.92%	15.29%	20.39%	-14.55%	31.44%

Correlation

The correlation between VEMAX and VEMRX is 1.00 - 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2010	1.00

The correlation between VEMAX and VEMRX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEMAX	VEMRX
Technology	29.6%	29.6%
Financial Services	19.5%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	10.7%
Industrials	8.0%	8.0%
Basic Materials	8.0%	8.0%
Communication Services	7.1%	7.1%
Energy	4.6%	4.6%
Healthcare	3.9%	3.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	3.7%
Utilities	2.9%	2.9%
Real Estate	2.2%	2.2%

Return for Risk

VEMAX vs. VEMRX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VEMAX

VEMAX Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VEMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VEMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VEMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VEMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VEMRX

VEMRX Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEMRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEMRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VEMRX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VEMRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VEMRX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEMAX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMRX). 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.

	VEMAX	VEMRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	2.32	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	3.19	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.42	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	3.01	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.18	11.23	-0.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEMAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the VEMRX Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEMAX and VEMRX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VEMAX	VEMRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	2.32	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.37	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.55	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	0.26	+0.03

Drawdowns

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEMAX drawdown since its inception was -66.45%, which is greater than VEMRX's maximum drawdown of -36.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEMAX and VEMRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEMAX	VEMRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.45%	-36.01%	-30.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-11.04%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.78%	-15.74%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.55%	-32.49%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.11%	-36.01%	-0.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.12%	-12.82%	-3.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	2.95%	+0.01%

Volatility

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEMAX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMRX) have volatilities of 5.01% and 5.02%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEMAX	VEMRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.01%	5.02%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.80%	11.81%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.31%	14.31%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.38%	15.38%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.46%	16.46%	0.00%

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEMAX has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is higher than VEMRX's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VEMAX vs. VEMRX - Dividend Comparison

VEMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, less than VEMRX's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEMAX Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.34%	2.74%	3.13%	3.47%	4.05%	2.57%	1.87%	3.20%	2.85%	2.31%	2.51%	3.25%
VEMRX Vanguard Emerging Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	2.37%	2.79%	3.19%	3.53%	4.11%	2.63%	1.92%	3.26%	2.92%	2.35%	2.56%	3.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEMAX and VEMRX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VEMAX and VEMRX 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 is riskier, VEMAX or VEMRX?

VEMRX has higher volatility (5.02%) compared to VEMAX (5.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEMAX dropped -66.45% vs VEMRX's -36.01%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEMRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 2.31), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.