EMIF vs VOO
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMIF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.22% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.52% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.75% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.07% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.03% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMIF vs VOO Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF) 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 EMIF returned +8.75% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EMIF is down 2.52% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EMIF compounded at +11.07% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.03% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +1.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% compared with 14.1% 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 -54.6% for EMIF 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMIF charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMIF currently yields 4.22% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EMIF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMIF or VOO?
EMIF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMIF or VOO?
Over the past year EMIF returned +8.75% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EMIF annualized +1.41% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMIF or VOO?
EMIF has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EMIF -54.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMIF and VOO?
EMIF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMIF and VOO?
EMIF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMIF or VOO?
EMIF yields 4.22% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EMIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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