vs
EEM vs VEA: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VEA delivered the higher return - 5.28% CAGR vs 4.53% - over 2007-08-31 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| EEM | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF |
| CAGR | 4.53% | 5.28% |
| Total return | 131.21% | 164.53% |
| Volatility | 21.19% | 17.84% |
| Max drawdown | -60.43%Feb 2009 | -57.05%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.25 | 0.30 |
| Sortino | 0.37 | 0.42 |
| Best year | 68.95% | 35.17% |
| Worst year | -48.88% | -40.62% |
| Final balance | $23,121 | $26,453 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.87. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, EEM or VEA?
Over 2007-08-31 to 2026-06-30, VEA performed better: 5.28% annualized versus 4.53% for EEM, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are EEM and VEA?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.87 over the common period. EEM is iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund; VEA is Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF.
Which is riskier, EEM or VEA?
Over the common period EEM had 21.19% annualized volatility and a -60.43% max drawdown, versus 17.84% and -57.05% for VEA.