VWO vs. AGEM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) and AGEM (abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. VWO is passively managed, while AGEM is actively managed. Over the past year, VWO returned 24.19% vs 48.12% for AGEM. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VWO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for AGEM.

Performance

VWO vs. AGEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWO achieves a 7.94% return, which is significantly lower than AGEM's 21.42% return.

VWO

• 1D: -3.78%
• 1M: -4.48%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 24.19%
• 3Y*: 16.25%
• 5Y*: 4.36%
• 10Y*: 8.24%

AGEM

• 1D: -6.00%
• 1M: -5.08%
• YTD: 21.42%
• 6M: 23.08%
• 1Y: 48.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VWO vs. AGEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	7.94%	19.99%
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	21.42%	29.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VWO and AGEM is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2025	0.89

The correlation between VWO and AGEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VWO vs. AGEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 45
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 48

AGEM

AGEM Risk / Return Rank: 74
AGEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
AGEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
AGEM Omega Ratio Rank: 75
AGEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
AGEM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

VWO vs. AGEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM). 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.

	VWO	AGEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	2.29	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	2.91	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.42	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	3.47	-1.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.80	13.37	-5.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VWO vs. AGEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is lower than the AGEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWO and AGEM, 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

	VWO	AGEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	2.29	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	1.91	-1.65

Drawdowns

VWO vs. AGEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWO drawdown since its inception was -67.68%, which is greater than AGEM's maximum drawdown of -15.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWO and AGEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWO	AGEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.68%	-15.58%	-52.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-13.92%	+2.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.60%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.16%	-9.04%	+3.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.81%	-2.25%	-13.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	3.61%	-0.50%

Volatility

VWO vs. AGEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is 6.29%, while abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) has a volatility of 10.53%. This indicates that VWO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AGEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWO	AGEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	10.53%	-4.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.79%	18.91%	-5.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.33%	21.16%	-4.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.44%	22.19%	-4.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.23%	22.19%	-2.96%

VWO vs. AGEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than AGEM's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWO vs. AGEM - Dividend Comparison

VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.50%, more than AGEM's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	1.85%	1.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.50%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWO and AGEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VWO and AGEM 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 is riskier, VWO or AGEM?

AGEM has higher volatility (10.53%) compared to VWO (6.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWO dropped -67.68% vs AGEM's -15.58%.

Which ETF is better, VWO or AGEM?

On 1-year performance, AGEM leads with 48.12% vs 24.19% for VWO. On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, VWO has been the lower-risk option at 6.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VWO or AGEM?

Over the 1-year period, AGEM has performed better with a 48.12% return vs 24.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VWO or AGEM?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for AGEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VWO or AGEM?

VWO has the higher dividend yield at 2.50%, compared with 1.85% for AGEM.

What is the main difference between VWO and AGEM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VWO and 0.70% for AGEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AGEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.49), 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.