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EEM vs VEA: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VEA delivered the higher return - 5.11% CAGR vs 4.02% - over 2007-08-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| EEM | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF |
| CAGR | 4.02% | 5.11% |
| Total return | 111.62% | 157.87% |
| Volatility | 21.18% | 17.81% |
| Max drawdown | -60.43%Feb 2009 | -57.05%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.23 | 0.29 |
| Sortino | 0.34 | 0.41 |
| Best year | 68.95% | 35.17% |
| Worst year | -48.88% | -40.62% |
| Final balance | $21,162 | $25,787 |
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 2026-07-31, VEA performed better: 5.11% annualized versus 4.02% 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 21.18% annualized volatility and a -60.43% max drawdown, versus 17.81% and -57.05% for VEA.