EMXC vs VOO
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EMXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMXC offers more diversification with 581 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $23.5B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.88% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 644 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +27.95% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.64% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.21% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.31% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMXC vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) 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 EMXC returned +51.64% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EMXC is up 27.95% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EMXC compounded at +25.21% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.31% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +7.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -46.1% for EMXC 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXC charges 0.25% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXC currently yields 1.88% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EMXC and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1085 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 EMXC | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.08% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMXC or VOO?
EMXC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXC or VOO?
Over the past year EMXC returned +51.64% vs +22.62% for VOO, so EMXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMXC annualized +7.41% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXC or VOO?
EMXC has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EMXC -46.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMXC and VOO?
EMXC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXC and VOO?
EMXC and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1085 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXC or VOO?
EMXC yields 1.88% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EMXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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