VNAM vs. IEMG

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

VNAM (Global X MSCI Vietnam ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - VNAM tracks the MSCI Vietnam Select 25/50 Index while IEMG tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VNAM returned 10.02%/yr vs 19.02%/yr for IEMG. Their 0.27 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. VNAM charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

VNAM vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MSCI Vietnam ETF (VNAM) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VNAM achieves a -4.11% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 17.13% return.

VNAM

• 1D: 1.90%
• 1M: -4.51%
• 6M: -1.40%
• YTD: -4.11%
• 1Y: 21.90%
• 3Y*: 10.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -1.00%

IEMG

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: -2.17%
• 6M: 8.11%
• YTD: 17.13%
• 1Y: 33.73%
• 3Y*: 19.02%
• 5Y*: 7.08%
• 10Y*: 8.70%
• ALL TIME*: 6.15%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	$832.99M	$964.62M	$1.10B
VNAM Global X MSCI Vietnam ETF	$333.97K	$254.89K	$282.03K

VNAM vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VNAM Global X MSCI Vietnam ETF	-4.11%	67.05%	-7.78%	12.95%	-44.16%	2.41%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	17.13%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-1.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VNAM and IEMG is 0.15, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.15
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2021	0.27

The correlation between VNAM and IEMG shifts across timeframes, from 0.15 (1 year) to 0.27 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VNAM vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VNAM	IEMG
Real Estate	32.9%	1.5%
Financial Services	29.8%	17.3%
Industrials	13.2%	7.7%
Basic Materials	8.6%	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.6%	2.8%
Technology	4.3%	43.6%
Energy	2.9%	3.0%
Utilities	0.9%	1.9%
Consumer Cyclical	0.8%	7.7%
Communication Services	-	5.6%
Healthcare	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

VNAM vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VNAM

VNAM Risk / Return Rank: 33
VNAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VNAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VNAM Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VNAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
VNAM Martin Ratio Rank: 32

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 62
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 61

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VNAM vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MSCI Vietnam ETF (VNAM) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

	VNAM	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	1.43	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	1.94	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.27	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	2.46	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.09	7.50	-4.41

VNAM vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VNAM Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is lower than the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VNAM and IEMG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VNAM vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VNAM drawdown since its inception was -52.84%, which is greater than IEMG's maximum drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VNAM and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VNAM	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.84%	-38.71%	-14.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.17%	-13.78%	-3.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.34%	-17.21%	-14.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.61%	-9.17%	-1.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.78%	-12.89%	-16.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.10%	4.51%	+2.59%

Volatility

VNAM vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

Global X MSCI Vietnam ETF (VNAM) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) have volatilities of 8.41% and 8.73%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VNAM	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.41%	8.73%	-0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.86%	21.65%	-1.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.15%	23.74%	+3.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.57%	19.27%	+6.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.57%	20.32%	+5.25%

VNAM vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VNAM has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

VNAM vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

VNAM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, less than IEMG's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.30%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%
VNAM Global X MSCI Vietnam ETF	0.51%	0.50%	1.00%	0.49%	1.04%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VNAM and IEMG in my portfolio?

VNAM and IEMG have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VNAM or IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (8.73%) compared to VNAM (8.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VNAM dropped -52.84% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, VNAM or IEMG?

On 3-year performance, IEMG leads with 19.02% vs 10.02% for VNAM. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VNAM has been the lower-risk option at 8.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VNAM or IEMG?

Over the 3-year period, IEMG has performed better with a 19.02% return vs 10.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VNAM or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for VNAM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VNAM or IEMG?

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 0.51% for VNAM.

What is the main difference between VNAM and IEMG?

VNAM tracks MSCI Vietnam Select 25/50 Index, while IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.51% for VNAM and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 0.81), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.