JEMA vs VTI
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. JEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JEMA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 517 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.76% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.59% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.27% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.22% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
JEMA vs VTI Performance
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JEMA returned +44.59% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, JEMA is up 23.76% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, JEMA compounded at +24.27% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.22% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +6.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JEMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -39.5% for JEMA 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JEMA charges 0.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $3 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JEMA currently yields 2.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JEMA and VTI share 6 holdings out of 3241 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JEMA or VTI?
JEMA has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JEMA or VTI?
Over the past year JEMA returned +44.59% vs +22.35% for VTI, so JEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), JEMA annualized +6.68% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JEMA or VTI?
JEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JEMA -39.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JEMA and VTI?
JEMA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JEMA and VTI?
JEMA and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3241 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JEMA or VTI?
JEMA yields 2.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JEMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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