vs
VEA vs VWO: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VEA delivered the higher return - 5.11% CAGR vs 3.89% - over 2007-08-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| VEA | VWO | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF |
| CAGR | 5.11% | 3.89% |
| Total return | 157.87% | 106.60% |
| Volatility | 17.81% | 20.47% |
| Max drawdown | -57.05%Feb 2009 | -61.69%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.29 | 0.22 |
| Sortino | 0.41 | 0.31 |
| Best year | 35.17% | 76.31% |
| Worst year | -40.62% | -52.46% |
| Final balance | $25,787 | $20,660 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.86. 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, VEA or VWO?
Over 2007-08-31 to 2026-07-31, VEA performed better: 5.11% annualized versus 3.89% for VWO, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are VEA and VWO?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.86 over the common period. VEA is Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF; VWO is Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF.
Which is riskier, VEA or VWO?
Over the common period VEA had 17.81% annualized volatility and a -57.05% max drawdown, versus 20.47% and -61.69% for VWO.