EMIF vs VTI
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMIF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -4.27% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.00% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.44% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.96% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
EMIF vs VTI Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF) 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 EMIF returned +6.00% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, EMIF is down 4.27% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, EMIF compounded at +10.44% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.96% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.30%. 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 15.4% 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 -54.6% for EMIF 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMIF charges 0.60% per year while VTI 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 4.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMIF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2818 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 VTI?
EMIF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMIF or VTI?
Over the past year EMIF returned +6.00% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EMIF annualized +1.30% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMIF or VTI?
EMIF has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EMIF -54.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMIF and VTI?
EMIF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMIF and VTI?
EMIF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2818 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMIF or VTI?
EMIF yields 4.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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