PEMX vs VXUS
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. PEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEMX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $31M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.99% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +26.52% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.27% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.47% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PEMX vs VXUS Performance
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (PEMX) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEMX returned +46.27% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PEMX is up 26.52% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PEMX compounded at +30.47% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, PEMX has the edge at +30.24% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -19.0% for PEMX 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEMX charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEMX currently yields 4.99% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PEMX and VXUS share 30 holdings out of 7883 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEMX or VXUS?
PEMX has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEMX or VXUS?
Over the past year PEMX returned +46.27% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so PEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PEMX annualized +30.24% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEMX or VXUS?
PEMX has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PEMX -19.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PEMX and VXUS?
PEMX and VXUS 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 PEMX and VXUS?
PEMX and VXUS share 30 common holdings with a 5.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEMX or VXUS?
PEMX yields 4.99% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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