EMDM vs VXUS
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EMDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMDM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $39M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +30.37% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.90% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.75% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EMDM vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMDM returned +65.90% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, EMDM is up 30.37% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, EMDM compounded at +31.75% per year against +20.98% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, EMDM has the edge at +27.51% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 15.1% 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 -18.8% for EMDM 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMDM charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMDM currently yields 2.89% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EMDM and VXUS share 63 holdings out of 7905 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EMDM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMEXICOB:MX | 4.18% | 0.08% | 4.10% |
| PBRA:BV | 2.43% | 0.00% | 2.43% |
| OTPB:HU | 2.23% | 0.06% | 2.17% |
| ANGJ:ZA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VALE3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PKN:PL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ITUB4:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GFNORTEO:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GFI:ZA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMDM or VXUS?
EMDM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMDM or VXUS?
Over the past year EMDM returned +65.90% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so EMDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EMDM annualized +27.51% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMDM or VXUS?
EMDM has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EMDM -18.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EMDM and VXUS?
EMDM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMDM and VXUS?
EMDM and VXUS share 63 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMDM or VXUS?
EMDM yields 2.89% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EMDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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