IEMG vs VOO
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IEMG delivered stronger 1-year returns. IEMG offers more diversification with 2,869 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEMG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $159.3B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 2,869 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.17% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.45% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.33% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.69% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IEMG vs VOO Performance
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) 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 IEMG returned +35.45% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, IEMG is up 19.17% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, IEMG compounded at +22.33% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.69% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEMG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -42.2% for IEMG 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEMG charges 0.09% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEMG currently yields 2.35% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IEMG and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1658 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, IEMG or VOO?
IEMG has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEMG or VOO?
Over the past year IEMG returned +35.45% vs +21.87% for VOO, so IEMG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IEMG annualized +4.79% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEMG or VOO?
IEMG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IEMG -42.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IEMG and VOO?
IEMG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEMG and VOO?
IEMG and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1658 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEMG or VOO?
IEMG yields 2.35% while VOO yields 1.08%, so IEMG 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.