VSGX vs. EMXF

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VSGX (Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF) and EMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSGX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Choice Index, while EMXF is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSGX returned 7.94%/yr vs 7.05%/yr for EMXF. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSGX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for EMXF.

Performance

VSGX vs. EMXF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSGX achieves a 15.84% return, which is significantly lower than EMXF's 24.35% return.

VSGX

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 15.84%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 30.91%
• 3Y*: 19.84%
• 5Y*: 7.94%
• 10Y*: —

EMXF

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: 24.35%
• 6M: 24.58%
• 1Y: 38.99%
• 3Y*: 21.31%
• 5Y*: 7.05%
• 10Y*: —

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

VSGX vs. EMXF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	15.84%	30.77%	5.72%	15.62%	-18.61%	7.24%	10.98%
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	24.35%	29.40%	8.03%	6.63%	-18.99%	4.45%	15.65%

Correlation

The correlation between VSGX and EMXF is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2020	0.80

The correlation between VSGX and EMXF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSGX vs. EMXF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSGX	EMXF
Technology	30.0%	33.4%
Financial Services	28.3%	34.3%
Healthcare	8.8%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	5.2%
Industrials	7.2%	5.6%
Basic Materials	5.1%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.6%
Communication Services	4.1%	8.5%
Real Estate	2.0%	1.4%
Utilities	0.5%	0.6%
Energy	0.0%	0.0%

Return for Risk

VSGX vs. EMXF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSGX

VSGX Risk / Return Rank: 60
VSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

EMXF

EMXF Risk / Return Rank: 69
EMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
EMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
EMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 70
EMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EMXF 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.

VSGX vs. EMXF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF). 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.

	VSGX	EMXF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.94	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.60	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.37	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	3.13	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.25	11.62	-2.37

VSGX vs. EMXF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the EMXF Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSGX and EMXF, 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

VSGX vs. EMXF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSGX drawdown since its inception was -33.09%, roughly equal to the maximum EMXF drawdown of -33.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSGX and EMXF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSGX	EMXF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.09%	-33.13%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.84%	-12.53%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.83%	-15.93%	+2.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.14%	-32.89%	+0.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-4.05%	+1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.73%	-11.92%	+4.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.36%	-0.01%

Volatility

VSGX vs. EMXF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) is 7.61%, while iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) has a volatility of 9.49%. This indicates that VSGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMXF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSGX	EMXF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.61%	9.49%	-1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.75%	18.34%	-2.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.60%	20.19%	-2.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.60%	22.49%	-5.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.16%	21.97%	-3.81%

VSGX vs. EMXF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSGX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than EMXF'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

VSGX vs. EMXF - Dividend Comparison

VSGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.93%, more than EMXF's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	2.67%	3.43%	2.92%	2.25%	2.42%	1.87%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	2.93%	3.23%	3.10%	2.77%	2.61%	2.49%	1.67%	2.28%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSGX and EMXF in my portfolio?

VSGX and EMXF have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSGX or EMXF?

EMXF has higher volatility (9.49%) compared to VSGX (7.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSGX dropped -33.09% vs EMXF's -33.13%.

Which ETF is better, VSGX or EMXF?

On 5-year performance, VSGX leads with 7.94% vs 7.05% for EMXF. On fees, VSGX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VSGX has been the lower-risk option at 7.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSGX or EMXF?

Over the 5-year period, VSGX has performed better with a 7.94% return vs 7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSGX or EMXF?

VSGX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.16% for EMXF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSGX or EMXF?

VSGX has the higher dividend yield at 2.93%, compared with 2.67% for EMXF.

What is the main difference between VSGX and EMXF?

VSGX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while EMXF is Emerging Markets Equities. VSGX tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Choice Index, while EMXF tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VSGX and 0.16% for EMXF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.76), 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.