VEXC vs. EQLT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and EQLT (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index while EQLT tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXC charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for EQLT.

Performance

VEXC vs. EQLT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT). 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 EQLT's 31.35% return.

VEXC

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

EQLT

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: 8.08%
• YTD: 31.35%
• 6M: 34.63%
• 1Y: 61.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEXC vs. EQLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.21%	4.80%
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	31.35%	3.95%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXC and EQLT 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 3, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

VEXC vs. EQLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQLT

EQLT Risk / Return Rank: 87
EQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
EQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
EQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
EQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. EQLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT). 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	EQLT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.93	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.21	1.83	+0.38

Drawdowns

VEXC vs. EQLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXC drawdown since its inception was -12.42%, smaller than the maximum EQLT drawdown of -17.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXC and EQLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXC	EQLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.42%	-17.38%	+4.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-1.96%	+0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.23%	-3.60%	+1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.97%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEXC	EQLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.92%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.89%	21.11%	-2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.89%	20.56%	-1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.89%	20.56%	-1.67%

VEXC vs. EQLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXC has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than EQLT's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEXC vs. EQLT - Dividend Comparison

VEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than EQLT's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	2.63%	3.10%	0.51%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	0.43%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXC and EQLT in my portfolio?

VEXC and EQLT 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 EQLT?

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 EQLT?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for EQLT.

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

EQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 0.74% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between VEXC and EQLT?

VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while EQLT tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VEXC and 0.35% for EQLT.