EMHY vs VXUS
iShares JP Morgan Emerging Market High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMHY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $642M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.49% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 684 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.16% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.15% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.18% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.53% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EMHY vs VXUS Performance
iShares JP Morgan Emerging Market High Yield Bond ETF (EMHY) 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 EMHY returned +4.15% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, EMHY is down 0.16% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, EMHY compounded at +11.18% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.53% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs +4.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.9% for EMHY. 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 -58.8% for EMHY 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMHY charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMHY currently yields 6.49% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EMHY and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8003 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 EMHY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARGENT 4.125 07/09/3 | 1.10% | 0.00% | 1.10% |
| ARGENT 5 01/09/38 | 0.64% | 0.00% | 0.64% |
| ARGENT 3.5 07/09/41 | 0.50% | 0.00% | 0.50% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMHY or VXUS?
EMHY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMHY or VXUS?
Over the past year EMHY returned +4.15% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), EMHY annualized +4.56% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMHY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.9% for EMHY. Worst drawdown: EMHY -58.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EMHY and VXUS?
EMHY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMHY and VXUS?
EMHY and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8003 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMHY or VXUS?
EMHY yields 6.49% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EMHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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