EEMA vs VOO
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEMA offers more diversification with 779 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $831M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 899 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.60% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.36% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.53% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EEMA vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EEMA returned +37.60% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, EEMA is up 18.34% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, EEMA compounded at +22.36% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.53% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +5.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -44.3% for EEMA and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMA charges 0.49% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMA currently yields 1.31% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EEMA and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1283 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EEMA | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.10% | 0.04% | 0.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMA or VOO?
EEMA has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMA or VOO?
Over the past year EEMA returned +37.60% vs +23.01% for VOO, so EEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEMA annualized +5.86% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMA or VOO?
EEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EEMA -44.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EEMA and VOO?
EEMA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMA and VOO?
EEMA and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1283 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMA or VOO?
EEMA yields 1.31% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EEMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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