VEU vs VWO
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VEU has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 6,334 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $68.4B | $122.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 3,928 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | +15.44% | +10.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.32% | +20.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +18.45% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.93% | +7.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VEU vs VWO Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEU returned +27.32% while VWO returned +20.99%. Year to date, VEU is up 15.44% versus a gain of 10.18% for VWO.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +21.13% per year against +18.45% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.93% and +7.14% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VWO has the edge at +4.98% annualized vs +3.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 17.7% for VEU. 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 -62.8% for VEU and -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $6 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.55% against 2.39% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and VWO share 1368 holdings out of 5437 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VEU | Weight in VWO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:TW | 3.73% | 12.61% | 8.88% |
| 0700:HK | 1.00% | 3.42% | 2.42% |
| 9988:HK | 0.80% | 2.71% | 1.91% |
| HDB:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2454:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2308:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PDD:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEU or VWO?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VWO charges 0.06%. VEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VWO?
Over the past year VEU returned +27.32% vs +20.99% for VWO, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VEU annualized +3.59% vs +4.98% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 17.7% for VEU. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both VEU and VWO?
VEU and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VWO?
VEU and VWO share 1368 common holdings with a 27.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5437 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VWO?
VEU yields 2.55% while VWO yields 2.39%, so VEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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