VEXC vs. TDEC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - VEXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while TDEC is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXC charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TDEC.

Performance

VEXC vs. TDEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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 higher than TDEC's 9.14% return.

VEXC

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

TDEC

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 1.54%
• YTD: 9.14%
• 6M: 11.08%
• 1Y: 24.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEXC vs. TDEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.21%	4.80%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	9.14%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXC and TDEC is 0.87, 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	0.87

Return for Risk

VEXC vs. TDEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 74
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 87
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. TDEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.21	1.81	+0.41

Drawdowns

VEXC vs. TDEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXC drawdown since its inception was -12.42%, which is greater than TDEC's maximum drawdown of -10.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXC and TDEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXC	TDEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.42%	-10.30%	-2.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-0.33%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.23%	-1.04%	-1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.85%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEXC	TDEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.81%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.89%	10.09%	+8.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.89%	11.75%	+7.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.89%	11.75%	+7.14%

VEXC vs. TDEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXC has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than TDEC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEXC vs. TDEC - Dividend Comparison

VEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, while TDEC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	0.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXC and TDEC in my portfolio?

VEXC and TDEC have a correlation of 0.87, 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 TDEC?

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 TDEC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

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

VEXC has the higher dividend yield at 0.74%, compared with 0.00% for TDEC.

What is the main difference between VEXC and TDEC?

VEXC is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while TDEC is Defined Outcome. VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while TDEC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VEXC and 0.95% for TDEC.