VWO vs. EEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index, while EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VWO returned 8.97%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for EEM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VWO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

VWO vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) 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, VWO achieves a 10.55% return, which is significantly lower than EEM's 23.41% return. Over the past 10 years, VWO has underperformed EEM with an annualized return of 8.97%, while EEM has yielded a comparatively higher 9.87% annualized return.

VWO

• 1D: -3.07%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 6M: 10.67%
• 1Y: 27.03%
• 3Y*: 17.42%
• 5Y*: 5.09%
• 10Y*: 8.97%

EEM

• 1D: -5.67%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: 23.41%
• 6M: 24.32%
• 1Y: 46.62%
• 3Y*: 22.58%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

VWO vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	10.55%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	31.49%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	23.41%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	18.22%	-15.31%	37.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VWO and EEM is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2005	0.97

The correlation between VWO and EEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VWO vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWO	EEM
Technology	31.6%	46.4%
Financial Services	16.8%	17.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	7.2%
Basic Materials	7.0%	5.7%
Industrials	6.8%	5.9%
Communication Services	5.8%	5.6%
Energy	3.6%	3.0%
Healthcare	3.4%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	2.4%
Utilities	2.4%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.9%

Return for Risk

VWO vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 49
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 51

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 67
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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.

	VWO	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	2.06	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.63	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.39	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	3.46	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.56	12.70	-4.14

VWO vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWO 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.

Drawdowns

VWO vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWO drawdown since its inception was -67.68%, roughly equal to the maximum EEM drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWO and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWO	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.68%	-66.43%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-13.52%	+2.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	-17.29%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.60%	-37.49%	+4.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.39%	-39.82%	+3.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.07%	-5.67%	+2.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.79%	-15.99%	+0.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.68%	-0.51%

Volatility

VWO vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is 7.37%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 12.59%. This indicates that VWO 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

	VWO	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.37%	12.59%	-5.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.62%	20.73%	-6.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.94%	22.77%	-5.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.58%	19.55%	-1.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.18%	20.67%	-1.49%

VWO vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWO vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than EEM's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.66%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.33%	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 EEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VWO and EEM 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 EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (12.59%) compared to VWO (7.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWO dropped -67.68% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, VWO or EEM?

On 10-year performance, EEM leads with 9.87% vs 8.97% for VWO. On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, VWO has been the lower-risk option at 7.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VWO or EEM?

Over the 10-year period, EEM has performed better with a 9.87% return vs 8.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VWO or EEM?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

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

VWO has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 1.66% for EEM.

What is the main difference between VWO and EEM?

VWO is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VWO and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.60), 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.