KEMX vs VOO
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. KEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KEMX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $127M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 296 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +30.04% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +55.75% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.85% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.68% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KEMX vs VOO Performance
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KEMX returned +55.75% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, KEMX is up 30.04% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, KEMX compounded at +26.85% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.68% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +12.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -38.8% for KEMX 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KEMX charges 0.24% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KEMX currently yields 2.39% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KEMX and VOO share 1 holdings out of 785 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KEMX | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.24% | 0.04% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KEMX or VOO?
KEMX has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KEMX or VOO?
Over the past year KEMX returned +55.75% vs +22.62% for VOO, so KEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), KEMX annualized +12.85% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KEMX or VOO?
KEMX has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KEMX -38.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KEMX and VOO?
KEMX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KEMX and VOO?
KEMX and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KEMX or VOO?
KEMX yields 2.39% while VOO yields 1.09%, so KEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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