vs
EEM vs VWO: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VWO delivered the higher return - 7.06% CAGR vs 7.02% - over 2005-04-30 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| EEM | VWO | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF |
| CAGR | 7.02% | 7.06% |
| Total return | 325.61% | 328.41% |
| Volatility | 20.90% | 20.18% |
| Max drawdown | -60.43%Feb 2009 | -61.69%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.35 | 0.36 |
| Sortino | 0.52 | 0.50 |
| Best year | 68.95% | 76.31% |
| Worst year | -48.88% | -52.46% |
| Final balance | $42,561 | $42,841 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.99. 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 VWO?
Over 2005-04-30 to 2026-07-31, VWO performed better: 7.06% annualized versus 7.02% for EEM, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are EEM and VWO?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.99 over the common period. EEM is iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund; VWO is Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF.
Which is riskier, EEM or VWO?
Over the common period EEM had 20.90% annualized volatility and a -60.43% max drawdown, versus 20.18% and -61.69% for VWO.