VOO vs. EEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOO returned 15.56%/yr vs 9.93%/yr for EEM. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VOO charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

VOO vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOO achieves a 10.91% return, which is significantly lower than EEM's 27.80% return. Over the past 10 years, VOO has outperformed EEM with an annualized return of 15.56%, while EEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.93% annualized return.

VOO

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 5.04%
• YTD: 10.91%
• 6M: 10.93%
• 1Y: 28.04%
• 3Y*: 22.44%
• 5Y*: 13.90%
• 10Y*: 15.56%

EEM

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 9.08%
• YTD: 27.80%
• 6M: 30.51%
• 1Y: 55.80%
• 3Y*: 23.95%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 9.93%

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

VOO vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	10.91%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	27.80%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	18.22%	-15.31%	37.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VOO and EEM is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2010	0.72

The correlation between VOO and EEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOO vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOO	EEM
Technology	35.7%	43.6%
Financial Services	11.6%	17.5%
Communication Services	11.3%	5.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	8.1%
Healthcare	8.5%	2.5%
Industrials	8.3%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	2.7%
Energy	3.5%	3.3%
Utilities	2.4%	2.0%
Real Estate	1.9%	0.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	6.1%

Return for Risk

VOO vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 70
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 75

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VOO vs. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). 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.

	VOO	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.81	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	3.62	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.51	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	4.15	-0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.73	15.99	-1.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VOO vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOO Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOO and EEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VOO	EEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	2.81	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83	0.37	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87	0.49	+0.38
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.38	+0.51

Drawdowns

VOO vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOO drawdown since its inception was -33.99%, smaller than the maximum EEM drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOO and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOO	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.99%	-66.43%	+32.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-13.52%	+4.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.69%	-17.29%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.52%	-37.71%	+13.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.99%	-39.82%	+5.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-1.24%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.69%	-16.02%	+12.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.91%	3.50%	-1.59%

Volatility

VOO vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is 2.84%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 8.52%. This indicates that VOO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOO	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.84%	8.52%	-5.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.90%	17.42%	-8.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.80%	19.97%	-8.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.81%	18.91%	-2.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	20.50%	-2.49%

VOO vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOO vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than EEM's 1.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.74%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOO and EEM in my portfolio?

VOO and EEM have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOO or EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (8.52%) compared to VOO (2.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOO dropped -33.99% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, VOO or EEM?

On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 15.56% vs 9.93% for EEM. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 2.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOO or EEM?

Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 15.56% return vs 9.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOO or EEM?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VOO or EEM?

EEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.74%, compared with 1.03% for VOO.

What is the main difference between VOO and EEM?

VOO is categorized as S&P 500, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. VOO tracks S&P 500 Index, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VOO and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.81 vs 2.39), 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.