EEMX vs VXUS
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $184M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,070 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.86% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.39% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.61% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.46% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EEMX vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EEMX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EEMX returned +38.39% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, EEMX is up 21.86% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, EEMX compounded at +24.61% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.46% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, EEMX has the edge at +7.95% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 15.1% 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 -39.9% for EEMX 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMX charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMX currently yields 1.86% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EEMX and VXUS share 796 holdings out of 8086 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMX or VXUS?
EEMX has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMX or VXUS?
Over the past year EEMX returned +38.39% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so EEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EEMX annualized +7.95% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMX or VXUS?
EEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EEMX -39.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EEMX and VXUS?
EEMX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMX and VXUS?
EEMX and VXUS share 796 common holdings with a 14.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8086 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMX or VXUS?
EEMX yields 1.86% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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