EMGF vs VOO
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EMGF delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMGF offers more diversification with 635 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMGF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 702 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.74% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.93% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.18% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMGF vs VOO Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF (EMGF) 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 EMGF returned +33.93% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, EMGF is up 20.74% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, EMGF compounded at +24.18% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +10.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 14.2% 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 -40.2% for EMGF 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMGF charges 0.26% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $3 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMGF currently yields 1.97% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EMGF and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1139 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 EMGF | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.20% | 0.04% | 0.16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMGF or VOO?
EMGF has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMGF or VOO?
Over the past year EMGF returned +33.93% vs +22.02% for VOO, so EMGF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMGF annualized +10.43% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMGF or VOO?
EMGF has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EMGF -40.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMGF and VOO?
EMGF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMGF and VOO?
EMGF and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMGF or VOO?
EMGF yields 1.97% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EMGF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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