VEXC vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index while XCEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEXC charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

VEXC vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). 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 XCEM's 38.32% return.

VEXC

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

XCEM

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 12.13%
• YTD: 38.32%
• 6M: 44.13%
• 1Y: 71.14%
• 3Y*: 26.37%
• 5Y*: 11.95%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

VEXC vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.21%	4.80%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	38.32%	8.12%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXC and XCEM is 0.93, 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	0.93

Return for Risk

VEXC vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XCEM

XCEM Risk / Return Rank: 90
XCEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
XCEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
XCEM Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XCEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
XCEM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). 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	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.42	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.21	0.63	+1.58

Drawdowns

VEXC vs. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXC drawdown since its inception was -12.42%, smaller than the maximum XCEM drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXC and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXC	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.42%	-41.24%	+28.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.46%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.92%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.67%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-1.25%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.23%	-8.59%	+6.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.57%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEXC	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.43%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.72%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.89%	20.89%	-2.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.89%	17.75%	+1.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.89%	19.72%	-0.83%

VEXC vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXC has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than XCEM's 0.16% 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. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

VEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, less than XCEM's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	2.35%	3.25%	2.76%	1.22%	2.42%	1.94%	1.63%	2.11%	2.70%	9.56%	1.24%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXC and XCEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VEXC and XCEM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, VEXC or XCEM?

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 XCEM?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.16% for XCEM.

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

XCEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 0.74% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between VEXC and XCEM?

VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index, while XCEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VEXC and 0.16% for XCEM.