IEMG vs VEA
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.63%. Launched in 2012, the fund has a 14-year track record.
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares (VEA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.88%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VEA has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.09%), saving about $119 per $10,000 over 10 years. IEMG has edged ahead over the past year (29.6% vs 27.7%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
2 of top 9 holdings overlap (22% overlap in top holdings)
IEMG Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 11.60% |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 4.66% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 3.32% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 2.75% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!hkg/9988 | 2.22% |
| China Construction Bank Corporation!hkg/0939 | 0.82% |
| Delta Electronics, Inc.!tpe/2308 | 0.76% |
| HDFC Bank Limited!nse/HDFCBANK | 0.75% |
| Reliance Industries Limited!nse/RELIANCE | 0.71% |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.!tpe/2317 | 0.65% |
VEA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 2.18% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.77% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 1.24% |
| Roche Holding AGROC1.L | 1.03% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.00% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 0.99% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 0.98% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 0.86% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 0.80% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VEA if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.