VEXC vs. BKEM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and BKEM (BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index while BKEM tracks the Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXC charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for BKEM.

Performance

VEXC vs. BKEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEXC achieves a 17.93% return, which is significantly lower than BKEM's 19.44% return.

VEXC

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -2.43%
• 6M: 13.21%
• YTD: 17.93%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BKEM

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: -6.34%
• 6M: 12.71%
• YTD: 19.44%
• 1Y: 34.25%
• 3Y*: 18.68%
• 5Y*: 6.40%
• 10Y*: —

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

VEXC vs. BKEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	17.93%	4.50%
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	19.44%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXC and BKEM is 0.88, 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 2, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

VEXC vs. BKEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEXC

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

BKEM

BKEM Risk / Return Rank: 58
BKEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
BKEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
BKEM Omega Ratio Rank: 56
BKEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
BKEM Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. BKEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM). 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.

	VEXC	BKEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.50	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.99	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.28	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.63	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.73	—

Drawdowns

VEXC vs. BKEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXC drawdown since its inception was -12.42%, smaller than the maximum BKEM drawdown of -39.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXC and BKEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXC	BKEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.42%	-39.48%	+27.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.11%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.38%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.52%	-9.56%	+4.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-15.80%	+13.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.93%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEXC	BKEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.77%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	21.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.12%	23.01%	-2.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.12%	19.53%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	19.65%	+0.47%

VEXC vs. BKEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXC has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than BKEM's 0.11% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VEXC vs. BKEM - Dividend Comparison

VEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than BKEM's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.96%	2.25%	2.76%	3.02%	3.15%	2.22%	1.78%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.46%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXC and BKEM in my portfolio?

VEXC and BKEM have a correlation of 0.88, 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 BKEM?

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 BKEM?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.11% for BKEM.

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

BKEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.46% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between VEXC and BKEM?

VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while BKEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and BNY Mellon. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VEXC and 0.11% for BKEM.