ETF Comparison
VWO vs EEM: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VWO | EEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | BlackRock |
| Price | $54.21 | $57.23 |
| Distribution yield | 2.58% | 1.94% |
| Expense ratio | 0.06% | 0.72% |
| AUM | $158.4B | $30.1B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Semi-Annual |
| Underlying index | FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index | MSCI Emerging Markets Index |
| Objective | Track the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index. | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 03/04/2005 | 04/07/2003 |
| Beta | 0.79 | 0.96 |
| Last dividend | $1.03 | $0.76 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/19/2025 | 12/16/2025 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay track the ftse emerging markets all cap china a inclusion index. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
VWO offers the higher yield at 2.58% vs 1.94% for EEM. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VWO is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.06% compared to 0.72%.
They track different benchmarks: VWO is linked to FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VWO is the larger fund by assets ($158.4B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VWO would generate roughly $21.50/month while EEM would produce $16.17/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VWO would cost approximately $60 in fees vs $720 for EEM (simplified, not compounded). The $660.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
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, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index using a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy. Beta is 0.79 for VWO and 0.96 for EEM, indicating VWO is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
VWO is managed by Vanguard (launched 03/04/2005) with $158.4B in assets. EEM is managed by BlackRock (launched 04/07/2003) with $30.1B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is VWO or EEM better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VWO currently offers the higher 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 VWO and EEM?
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, while 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. approach. They are issued by Vanguard and BlackRock respectively.
Can I hold both VWO and EEM?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, VWO or EEM?
VWO has an expense ratio of 0.06% while EEM charges 0.72%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VWO vs EEM generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VWO would generate roughly $21.50 per month ($258.00 annually). The same in EEM would produce about $16.17 per month ($194.00 annually).
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