VEXC vs. VEA
VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXC charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.
Performance
VEXC vs. VEA - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VEXC achieves a 24.82% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 16.69% return.
VEXC
- 1D
- 1.12%
- 1M
- 7.24%
- YTD
- 24.82%
- 6M
- 26.47%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
VEA
- 1D
- 0.11%
- 1M
- 3.28%
- YTD
- 16.69%
- 6M
- 17.33%
- 1Y
- 35.42%
- 3Y*
- 20.72%
- 5Y*
- 10.37%
- 10Y*
- 11.06%
VEXC vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 24.82% | 4.50% |
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | 16.69% | 5.23% |
Correlation
The correlation between VEXC and VEA is 0.84, 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 | 0.84 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VEXC vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank
VEXC
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
VEA
VEXC vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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 | VEA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.39 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 3.06 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 11.80 | — |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VEXC vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VEXC drawdown since its inception was -12.42%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXC and VEA.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VEXC | VEA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -12.42% | -60.68% | +48.26% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -11.63% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -13.45% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -29.71% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -35.73% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.23% | -13.26% | +11.03% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 3.01% | — |
Volatility
VEXC vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VEXC | VEA | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 6.32% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 14.39% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.91% | 16.52% | +3.39% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.91% | 16.71% | +3.20% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.91% | 17.38% | +2.53% |
VEXC vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison
VEXC has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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
VEXC vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison
VEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.38%, less than VEA's 2.50% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | 2.50% | 3.22% | 3.35% | 3.15% | 2.91% | 3.16% | 2.04% | 3.04% | 3.35% | 2.77% | 3.05% | 2.92% |
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 1.38% | 0.43% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VEXC and VEA have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for VEXC.
VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.50%, compared with 1.38% for VEXC.
VEXC is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VEXC and 0.03% for VEA.
Find the right allocation for VEXC and VEA
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer