IEMG vs VWO
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund
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 Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund (VWO) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.76%. Launched in 2005, the fund has a 21-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VWO has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.06% vs 0.09%), saving about $60 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, IEMG has significantly outperformed with a 29.6% return vs 19.4%.
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
7 of top 8 holdings overlap (88% 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% |
VWO Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 12.71% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 3.44% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!hkg/9988 | 2.74% |
| HDFC Bank Limited!nse/HDFCBANK | 0.93% |
| Reliance Industries Limited!nse/RELIANCE | 0.88% |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.!tpe/2317 | 0.78% |
| MediaTek Inc.!tpe/2454 | 0.76% |
| China Construction Bank Corporation!hkg/0939 | 0.75% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VWO if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IEMG if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Either works if...
you just need broad emerging markets exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.