EMXF vs VTI
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EMXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $165M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 650 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.68% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.86% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.27% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.12% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
EMXF vs VTI Performance
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) 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 EMXF returned +33.86% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, EMXF is up 20.68% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, EMXF compounded at +23.27% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.12% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, EMXF has the edge at +11.11% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 15.3% 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 -33.1% for EMXF 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXF charges 0.17% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXF currently yields 2.81% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMXF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3360 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, EMXF or VTI?
EMXF has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXF or VTI?
Over the past year EMXF returned +33.86% vs +22.35% for VTI, so EMXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), EMXF annualized +11.11% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXF or VTI?
EMXF has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EMXF -33.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMXF and VTI?
EMXF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXF and VTI?
EMXF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3360 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXF or VTI?
EMXF yields 2.81% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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