EEM vs VEA
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-10
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a high expense ratio of 0.72%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.01%. Launched in 2003, the fund has a 23-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 2.78%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VEA is significantly cheaper at 0.03% vs 0.72% expense ratio, saving you approximately $1,337 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, EEM has significantly outperformed with a 49.5% return vs 40.6%. Income investors may prefer VEA for its higher yield (2.8% vs 2.0%).
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)
EEM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 13.43% |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 6.01% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 3.67% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 3.40% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!hkg/9988 | 2.46% |
| China Construction Bank Corporation!hkg/0939 | 0.93% |
| Delta Electronics, Inc.!tpe/2308 | 0.91% |
| HDFC Bank Limited!nse/HDFCBANK | 0.89% |
| Reliance Industries Limited!nse/RELIANCE | 0.79% |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.!tpe/2317 | 0.71% |
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.
Choose EEM if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose VEA if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.