EEMX vs VTI
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $184M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,070 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.72% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.09% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.77% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
EEMX vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EEMX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EEMX returned +37.09% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, EEMX is up 19.72% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, EEMX compounded at +23.77% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.32% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -39.9% for EEMX and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMX charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMX currently yields 1.86% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EEMX and VTI share 2 holdings out of 3798 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, EEMX or VTI?
EEMX has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMX or VTI?
Over the past year EEMX returned +37.09% vs +22.17% for VTI, so EEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EEMX annualized +7.75% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMX or VTI?
EEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EEMX -39.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EEMX and VTI?
EEMX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMX and VTI?
EEMX and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMX or VTI?
EEMX yields 1.86% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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