EMDM vs VOO
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EMDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMDM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $39M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +28.69% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.47% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.00% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMDM vs VOO Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMDM returned +65.47% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, EMDM is up 28.69% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, EMDM compounded at +31.00% per year against +22.16% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, EMDM has the edge at +26.99% annualized vs +13.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -18.8% for EMDM 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMDM charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMDM currently yields 2.89% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EMDM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 604 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, EMDM or VOO?
EMDM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMDM or VOO?
Over the past year EMDM returned +65.47% vs +21.62% for VOO, so EMDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EMDM annualized +26.99% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMDM or VOO?
EMDM has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EMDM -18.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMDM and VOO?
EMDM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMDM and VOO?
EMDM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMDM or VOO?
EMDM yields 2.89% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EMDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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