VEXC vs. AGEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and AGEM (abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. VEXC is passively managed, while AGEM is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXC charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for AGEM.

Performance

VEXC vs. AGEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEXC achieves a 20.21% return, which is significantly lower than AGEM's 31.54% return.

VEXC

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 20.21%
• 6M: 23.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AGEM

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: 8.91%
• YTD: 31.54%
• 6M: 33.66%
• 1Y: 63.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEXC vs. AGEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.21%	4.80%
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	31.54%	2.77%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXC and AGEM is 0.89, 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 Oct 3, 2025	0.89

Return for Risk

VEXC vs. AGEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AGEM

AGEM Risk / Return Rank: 87
AGEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
AGEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
AGEM Omega Ratio Rank: 88
AGEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
AGEM Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

VEXC vs. AGEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VEXC	AGEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.15	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.21	2.41	-0.20

Drawdowns

VEXC vs. AGEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXC drawdown since its inception was -12.42%, smaller than the maximum AGEM drawdown of -15.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXC and AGEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXC	AGEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.42%	-15.58%	+3.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.92%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-1.46%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.23%	-2.23%	0.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.56%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEXC	AGEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.15%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.67%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.89%	20.15%	-1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.89%	21.51%	-2.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.89%	21.51%	-2.62%

VEXC vs. AGEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXC has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than AGEM's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEXC vs. AGEM - Dividend Comparison

VEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than AGEM's 1.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	1.71%	1.80%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	0.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXC and AGEM in my portfolio?

VEXC and AGEM have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VEXC or AGEM?

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.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEXC or AGEM?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for AGEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEXC or AGEM?

AGEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 0.74% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between VEXC and AGEM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VEXC and 0.70% for AGEM.