EEMA vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $876M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 897 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.80% | +13.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.46% | +25.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.25% | +19.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.59% | +8.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EEMA vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EEMA returned +38.46% while VXUS returned +25.90%. Year to date, EEMA is up 20.80% versus a gain of 13.91% for VXUS.
Over three years, EEMA compounded at +23.25% per year against +19.76% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.59% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, EEMA has the edge at +5.98% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -44.3% for EEMA 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMA charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMA currently yields 1.40% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EEMA and VXUS share 565 holdings out of 8393 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EEMA | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000660:KR | 2.84% | 2.17% | 0.67% |
| 9988:HK | 2.77% | 0.49% | 2.28% |
| 2454:TW | 1.93% | 0.44% | 1.49% |
| 2308:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 402340:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PDD:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 601398:SH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMA or VXUS?
EEMA has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMA or VXUS?
Over the past year EEMA returned +38.46% vs +25.90% for VXUS, so EEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEMA annualized +5.98% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMA or VXUS?
EEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EEMA -44.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EEMA and VXUS?
EEMA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMA and VXUS?
EEMA and VXUS share 565 common holdings with a 10.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8393 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMA or VXUS?
EEMA yields 1.40% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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