EEMS vs VOO
Ishares MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEMS offers more diversification with 1470 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $357M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,875 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.41% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.89% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.06% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.76% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EEMS vs VOO Performance
Ishares MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF (EEMS) 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 EEMS returned +18.89% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, EEMS is up 10.41% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, EEMS compounded at +14.06% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.76% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +3.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -51.7% for EEMS 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMS charges 0.73% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $3 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMS currently yields 2.81% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EEMS and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1975 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMS or VOO?
EEMS has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMS or VOO?
Over the past year EEMS returned +18.89% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEMS annualized +3.80% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMS or VOO?
EEMS has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EEMS -51.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EEMS and VOO?
EEMS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMS and VOO?
EEMS and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1975 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMS or VOO?
EEMS yields 2.81% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EEMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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