EMGF vs VTI
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EMGF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMGF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 702 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.86% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.24% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.06% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
EMGF vs VTI Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF (EMGF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMGF returned +36.24% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, EMGF is up 20.86% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, EMGF compounded at +25.06% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.70% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, EMGF has the edge at +10.42% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 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 -40.2% for EMGF 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMGF charges 0.26% per year while VTI 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 2.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMGF and VTI share 3 holdings out of 3454 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMGF or VTI?
EMGF has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMGF or VTI?
Over the past year EMGF returned +36.24% vs +22.35% for VTI, so EMGF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMGF annualized +10.42% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMGF or VTI?
EMGF has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EMGF -40.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMGF and VTI?
EMGF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMGF and VTI?
EMGF and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3454 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMGF or VTI?
EMGF yields 2.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMGF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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