EMB vs VOO
EMB vs VOO
iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.02% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.50% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.85% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.79% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.75% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMB vs VOO Performance
iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (EMB) 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 EMB returned +6.85% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, EMB is up 1.50% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, EMB compounded at +8.79% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.75% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +1.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 11.3% for EMB. 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 -36.4% for EMB 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMB charges 0.39% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMB currently yields 5.02% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EMB and VOO share 0 holdings out of 756 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, EMB or VOO?
EMB has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMB or VOO?
Over the past year EMB returned +6.85% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EMB annualized +1.12% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMB or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.3% for EMB. Worst drawdown: EMB -36.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMB and VOO?
EMB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMB and VOO?
EMB and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 756 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMB or VOO?
EMB yields 5.02% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.