KEMX vs VTI
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. KEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KEMX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $131M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 295 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +31.78% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.16% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.80% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.85% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
KEMX vs VTI Performance
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KEMX returned +57.16% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, KEMX is up 31.78% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, KEMX compounded at +27.80% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.85% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, KEMX has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 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 -38.8% for KEMX 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KEMX charges 0.24% per year while VTI 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 2.66% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KEMX and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3067 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 VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.24% | 0.04% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KEMX or VTI?
KEMX has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KEMX or VTI?
Over the past year KEMX returned +57.16% vs +21.39% for VTI, so KEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), KEMX annualized +13.01% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KEMX or VTI?
KEMX has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KEMX -38.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KEMX and VTI?
KEMX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KEMX and VTI?
KEMX and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3067 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KEMX or VTI?
KEMX yields 2.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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