EMXC vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EMXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $23.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.88% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 644 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +27.95% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.64% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.21% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.31% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EMXC vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) 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 EMXC returned +51.64% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, EMXC is up 27.95% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, EMXC compounded at +25.21% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.31% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, EMXC has the edge at +7.41% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXC charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXC currently yields 1.88% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EMXC and VXUS share 336 holdings out of 8106 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EMXC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:TW | 18.97% | 3.41% | 15.56% |
| 000660:KR | 8.48% | 0.90% | 7.58% |
| 2454:TW | 1.86% | 0.20% | 1.66% |
| 2308:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 402340:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 009150:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BHARTIARTL:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMXC or VXUS?
EMXC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXC or VXUS?
Over the past year EMXC returned +51.64% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so EMXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMXC annualized +7.41% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXC or VXUS?
EMXC has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EMXC -46.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EMXC and VXUS?
EMXC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXC and VXUS?
EMXC and VXUS share 336 common holdings with a 13.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXC or VXUS?
EMXC yields 1.88% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.