ETF Comparison
EEM vs IEMG vs VWO: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| EEM | IEMG | VWO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | BlackRock | Vanguard |
| Price | $57.23 | $70.28 | $54.21 |
| Distribution yield | 1.94% | 2.41% | 2.58% |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.09% | 0.06% |
| AUM | $30.1B | $148.6B | $158.4B |
| Distribution frequency | Semi-Annual | Semi-Annual | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | MSCI Emerging Markets Index | MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index | FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index |
| Objective | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. | Track the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 04/07/2003 | 10/18/2012 | 03/04/2005 |
| Beta | 0.96 | 0.94 | 0.79 |
| Last dividend | $0.76 | $1.14 | $1.03 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/16/2025 | 12/16/2025 | 12/19/2025 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF), IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF), VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) are popular dividend ETFs that take different approaches.
VWO offers the highest yield at 2.58%, followed by IEMG at 2.41%, EEM at 1.94%.
VWO is the cheapest with an expense ratio of 0.06%, compared to 0.09% for IEMG and 0.72% for EEM.
VWO is the largest fund by assets ($158.4B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment: EEM generates ~$16.17/month, IEMG generates ~$20.08/month, VWO generates ~$21.50/month at current distribution rates.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000: EEM costs ~$720, IEMG costs ~$90, VWO costs ~$60 in fees (simplified, not compounded).
Strategy & risk
EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach; IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach; VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index with a track the ftse emerging markets all cap china a inclusion index. approach.
Fund details
EEM is managed by BlackRock (launched 04/07/2003) with $30.1B in assets. IEMG is managed by BlackRock (launched 10/18/2012) with $148.6B in assets. VWO is managed by Vanguard (launched 03/04/2005) with $158.4B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Which of EEM, IEMG, VWO is best for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VWO currently offers the highest distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between EEM, IEMG, VWO?
EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy, issued by BlackRock. IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy, issued by BlackRock. VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) tracks FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index with a track the ftse emerging markets all cap china a inclusion index. strategy, issued by Vanguard.
Can I hold EEM, IEMG, VWO together?
Yes. Many income investors hold multiple dividend ETFs to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has the lowest fees among EEM, IEMG, VWO?
EEM has an expense ratio of 0.72%, IEMG has an expense ratio of 0.09%, VWO has an expense ratio of 0.06%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 generate in each?
$10,000 in EEM yields ~$16.17/month ($194.00/year). $10,000 in IEMG yields ~$20.08/month ($241.00/year). $10,000 in VWO yields ~$21.50/month ($258.00/year).
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