EMXC vs VTI
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EMXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $23.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 644 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +31.72% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.78% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.38% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.14% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
EMXC vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMXC returned +53.78% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, EMXC is up 31.72% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, EMXC compounded at +26.38% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.14% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -46.1% for EMXC 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXC charges 0.25% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMXC and VTI share 3 holdings out of 3361 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, EMXC or VTI?
EMXC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXC or VTI?
Over the past year EMXC returned +53.78% vs +22.39% for VTI, so EMXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMXC annualized +7.69% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXC or VTI?
EMXC has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EMXC -46.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMXC and VTI?
EMXC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXC and VTI?
EMXC and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3361 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXC or VTI?
EMXC yields 1.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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