VWO vs. RNEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) and RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - VWO tracks the FTSE Emerging Index while RNEM tracks the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VWO returned 5.21%/yr vs 4.79%/yr for RNEM. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VWO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RNEM.

Performance

VWO vs. RNEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWO achieves a 9.49% return, which is significantly higher than RNEM's 0.25% return.

VWO

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: -1.16%
• 6M: 4.57%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 1Y: 21.65%
• 3Y*: 15.36%
• 5Y*: 5.21%
• 10Y*: 7.91%

RNEM

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.16%
• 6M: -1.96%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 1Y: 2.60%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

VWO vs. RNEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	9.49%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	15.00%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	0.25%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	-8.75%	6.16%	-8.16%	12.76%	-9.34%	11.97%

Correlation

The correlation between VWO and RNEM is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2017	0.71

The correlation between VWO and RNEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

VWO vs. RNEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWO	RNEM
Technology	31.5%	6.4%
Financial Services	16.8%	35.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	9.9%
Basic Materials	7.0%	14.2%
Industrials	7.0%	3.9%
Communication Services	5.7%	8.7%
Energy	3.6%	7.0%
Healthcare	3.4%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	6.0%
Utilities	2.4%	3.5%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.8%

Return for Risk

VWO vs. RNEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 46
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 50

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 12
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 11
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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. RNEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). 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	RNEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	0.21	+1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	0.39	+1.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.05	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	0.24	+1.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.67	0.65	+6.01

VWO vs. RNEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is higher than the RNEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWO and RNEM, 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. RNEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWO drawdown since its inception was -67.68%, which is greater than RNEM's maximum drawdown of -38.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWO and RNEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWO	RNEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.68%	-38.38%	-29.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-10.71%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	-13.09%	-4.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.90%	-21.41%	-9.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.00%	-5.81%	+1.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.76%	-9.26%	-6.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	3.99%	-0.73%

Volatility

VWO vs. RNEM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) has a higher volatility of 6.48% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) at 3.75%. This indicates that VWO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RNEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWO	RNEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.48%	3.75%	+2.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.86%	10.93%	+3.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.20%	12.51%	+4.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.59%	14.48%	+3.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	17.18%	+1.96%

VWO vs. RNEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than RNEM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWO vs. RNEM - Dividend Comparison

VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, which matches RNEM's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.37%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%	0.00%	0.00%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.35%	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 RNEM in my portfolio?

VWO and RNEM have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWO or RNEM?

VWO has higher volatility (6.48%) compared to RNEM (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWO dropped -67.68% vs RNEM's -38.38%.

Which ETF is better, VWO or RNEM?

On 5-year performance, VWO leads with 5.21% vs 4.79% for RNEM. On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VWO or RNEM?

Over the 5-year period, VWO has performed better with a 5.21% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VWO or RNEM?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for RNEM.

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

RNEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 2.35% for VWO.

What is the main difference between VWO and RNEM?

VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VWO and 0.75% for RNEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 0.21), 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.