PEMX vs VTI
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEMX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +30.27% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +52.74% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.22% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
PEMX vs VTI Performance
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (PEMX) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEMX returned +52.74% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, PEMX is up 30.27% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, PEMX compounded at +32.22% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, PEMX has the edge at +31.01% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -19.0% for PEMX 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
PEMX charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEMX currently yields 5.41% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PEMX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2835 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, PEMX or VTI?
PEMX has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEMX or VTI?
Over the past year PEMX returned +52.74% vs +22.35% for VTI, so PEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PEMX annualized +31.01% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEMX or VTI?
PEMX has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PEMX -19.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PEMX and VTI?
PEMX 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 PEMX and VTI?
PEMX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEMX or VTI?
PEMX yields 5.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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