EMDM vs VTI
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EMDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMDM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $39M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +29.88% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +67.06% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.37% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
EMDM vs VTI Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMDM returned +67.06% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, EMDM is up 29.88% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, EMDM compounded at +31.37% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, EMDM has the edge at +27.30% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 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 -18.8% for EMDM 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMDM charges 0.75% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMDM and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2885 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EMDM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASAN | 0.13% | 0.00% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMDM or VTI?
EMDM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMDM or VTI?
Over the past year EMDM returned +67.06% vs +21.39% for VTI, so EMDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EMDM annualized +27.30% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMDM or VTI?
EMDM has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EMDM -18.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMDM and VTI?
EMDM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMDM and VTI?
EMDM and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMDM or VTI?
EMDM yields 2.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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