EMXF vs VXUS
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EMXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $165M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 650 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.52% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.17% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.70% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.39% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EMXF vs VXUS Performance
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) 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 EMXF returned +33.17% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, EMXF is up 21.52% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, EMXF compounded at +23.70% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.39% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, EMXF has the edge at +11.26% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 15.1% 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 -33.1% for EMXF 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXF charges 0.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $5 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXF currently yields 2.81% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EMXF and VXUS share 371 holdings out of 8071 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMXF or VXUS?
EMXF has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXF or VXUS?
Over the past year EMXF returned +33.17% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so EMXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), EMXF annualized +11.26% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXF or VXUS?
EMXF has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EMXF -33.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EMXF and VXUS?
EMXF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXF and VXUS?
EMXF and VXUS share 371 common holdings with a 11.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8071 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXF or VXUS?
EMXF yields 2.81% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EMXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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