AGEM vs VXUS
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AGEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGEM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $373M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.09% | +14.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.27% | +26.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.82% | +19.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +39.82% | +8.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AGEM vs VXUS Performance
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AGEM returned +43.27% while VXUS returned +26.56%. Year to date, AGEM is up 25.09% versus a gain of 14.51% for VXUS.
Over three years, AGEM compounded at +39.82% per year against +19.95% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +39.82% and +8.87% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, AGEM has the edge at +5.72% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% compared with 15.0% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.5% for AGEM and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGEM charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGEM currently yields 1.90% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AGEM and VXUS share 57 holdings out of 8126 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AGEM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000660:KR | 5.01% | 2.17% | 2.84% |
| GMEXICOB:MX | 3.75% | 0.07% | 3.68% |
| 2454:TW | 3.22% | 0.44% | 2.78% |
| BMRI:ID | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 300750:SH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GFNORTEO:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 009540:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 0669:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KTB:TH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1180:SA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGEM or VXUS?
AGEM has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGEM or VXUS?
Over the past year AGEM returned +43.27% vs +26.56% for VXUS, so AGEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AGEM annualized +5.72% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGEM or VXUS?
AGEM has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AGEM -33.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AGEM and VXUS?
AGEM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGEM and VXUS?
AGEM and VXUS share 57 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGEM or VXUS?
AGEM yields 1.90% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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