VWO vs. VGK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index, while VGK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VWO returned 8.85%/yr vs 9.26%/yr for VGK. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VWO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

VWO vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWO achieves a 12.22% return, which is significantly higher than VGK's 5.62% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VWO having a 8.85% annualized return and VGK not far ahead at 9.26%.

VWO

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: 2.72%
• YTD: 12.22%
• 6M: 13.79%
• 1Y: 30.72%
• 3Y*: 18.02%
• 5Y*: 5.17%
• 10Y*: 8.85%

VGK

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 5.62%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 18.01%
• 3Y*: 16.32%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

VWO vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	12.22%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	31.49%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	5.62%	35.83%	1.88%	20.19%	-15.98%	16.89%	5.43%	24.85%	-14.89%	26.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VWO and VGK 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	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2005	0.77

The correlation between VWO and VGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

VWO vs. VGK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWO	VGK
Technology	29.6%	8.3%
Financial Services	19.5%	23.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	6.8%
Industrials	8.0%	19.5%
Basic Materials	8.0%	5.4%
Communication Services	7.1%	3.3%
Energy	4.6%	5.3%
Healthcare	3.9%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	8.5%
Utilities	2.9%	4.8%
Real Estate	2.2%	1.5%

Return for Risk

VWO vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 56
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 31
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). 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	VGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.18	+0.77
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	1.72	+0.97
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.21	+0.15
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	1.50	+1.27
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.96	5.56	+4.40
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. VGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the VGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWO and VGK, 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	VGK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.18	+0.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.46	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.49	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.28	-0.01

Drawdowns

VWO vs. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWO drawdown since its inception was -67.68%, which is greater than VGK's maximum drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWO and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWO	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.68%	-63.61%	-4.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-12.09%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	-14.31%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.64%	-32.74%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.39%	-37.24%	+0.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-2.41%	+1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.82%	-13.34%	-2.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	3.25%	-0.16%

Volatility

VWO vs. VGK - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) have volatilities of 5.61% and 5.73%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWO	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.61%	5.73%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.22%	12.78%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.89%	15.40%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.37%	17.90%	-0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.20%	18.96%	+0.24%

VWO vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VGK's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VWO vs. VGK - Dividend Comparison

VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.40%, less than VGK's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.82%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.40%	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 VGK in my portfolio?

VWO and VGK 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, VWO or VGK?

VGK has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to VWO (5.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWO dropped -67.68% vs VGK's -63.61%.

Which ETF is better, VWO or VGK?

On 10-year performance, VGK leads with 9.26% vs 8.85% for VWO. On fees, VGK is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VWO has been the lower-risk option at 5.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VWO or VGK?

Over the 10-year period, VGK has performed better with a 9.26% return vs 8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VWO or VGK?

VGK is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for VWO.

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

VGK has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 2.40% for VWO.

What is the main difference between VWO and VGK?

VWO is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VGK is Europe Equities. VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while VGK tracks FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VWO and 0.06% for VGK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.18), 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.