EMGF vs VXUS
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EMGF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMGF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 702 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.74% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.93% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.18% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EMGF vs VXUS Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF (EMGF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMGF returned +33.93% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, EMGF is up 20.74% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, EMGF compounded at +24.18% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, EMGF has the edge at +10.43% annualized vs +4.88%. 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 15.1% 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 -40.2% for EMGF 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMGF charges 0.26% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $5 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMGF currently yields 1.97% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EMGF and VXUS share 357 holdings out of 8139 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EMGF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:TW | 10.45% | 3.41% | 7.04% |
| 000660:KR | 5.63% | 0.90% | 4.73% |
| 9988:HK | 1.64% | 0.73% | 0.91% |
| 2454:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2308:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 402340:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PDD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMGF or VXUS?
EMGF has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMGF or VXUS?
Over the past year EMGF returned +33.93% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so EMGF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMGF annualized +10.43% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMGF or VXUS?
EMGF has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EMGF -40.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EMGF and VXUS?
EMGF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMGF and VXUS?
EMGF and VXUS share 357 common holdings with a 13.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMGF or VXUS?
EMGF yields 1.97% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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