JEMA vs VXUS
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. JEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JEMA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 517 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.84% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.43% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.53% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.67% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
JEMA vs VXUS Performance
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JEMA returned +42.43% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, JEMA is up 22.84% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, JEMA compounded at +23.53% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.67% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, JEMA has the edge at +6.55% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% 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 -39.5% for JEMA 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JEMA charges 0.34% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $5 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JEMA currently yields 2.41% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
JEMA and VXUS share 315 holdings out of 8014 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JEMA or VXUS?
JEMA has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JEMA or VXUS?
Over the past year JEMA returned +42.43% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so JEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), JEMA annualized +6.55% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JEMA or VXUS?
JEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: JEMA -39.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both JEMA and VXUS?
JEMA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JEMA and VXUS?
JEMA and VXUS share 315 common holdings with a 14.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8014 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JEMA or VXUS?
JEMA yields 2.41% while VXUS yields 2.59%, 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.