EEMV vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 326 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.62% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.79% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.27% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EEMV vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF (EEMV) 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 EEMV returned +20.79% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EEMV is up 15.62% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EEMV compounded at +14.24% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.27% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, EEMV has the edge at +5.54% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.5% for EEMV. 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 -36.7% for EEMV 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMV charges 0.26% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $5 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMV currently yields 2.28% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EEMV and VXUS share 196 holdings out of 7967 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMV or VXUS?
EEMV has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMV or VXUS?
Over the past year EEMV returned +20.79% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEMV annualized +5.54% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.5% for EEMV. Worst drawdown: EEMV -36.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EEMV and VXUS?
EEMV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMV and VXUS?
EEMV and VXUS share 196 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7967 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMV or VXUS?
EEMV yields 2.28% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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