Emerging markets ETFs
ETFs that hold shares in emerging markets such as China, India, Taiwan, Korea and Brazil. 8 funds compared on returns, risk and cost.
Emerging markets ETFs compared
Ordered by fund size. Click a column heading to sort.
| ETF | Domicile | Returns (3Y and 5Y annualised) | Risk | Cost and size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | +10.3% | +18.2% | +6.3% | 16.5% | -30.2% | 0.06% | 169 bn | |
| US | +23.8% | +23.2% | +8.5% | 19.4% | -32.7% | 0.09% | 162 bn | |
| Ireland | +27.2% | +20.5% | +9.2% | 17.0% | -22.0% | 0.18% | 40 bn | |
| US | +25.0% | +23.8% | +8.1% | 20.0% | -33.8% | 0.72% | 31 bn | |
| US | +26.5% | +25.1% | +11.0% | 19.8% | -30.6% | 0.33% | 29 bn | |
| US | +46.2% | +29.0% | +13.0% | 21.0% | -28.9% | 0.25% | 26 bn | |
| US | +11.8% | +18.9% | +6.9% | 16.5% | -29.7% | 0.07% | 17 bn | |
| Ireland | +12.8% | +16.1% | +6.6% | 15.1% | -20.0% | 0.17% | 5.3 bn | |
Total returns with dividends reinvested, in each listing's currency; returns over 3 years and longer are compounded annual returns. Volatility is the annualised standard deviation of returns over 3 years. Worst fall is the largest drop from a peak in the last 5 years. Fund size is in the listing's currency. IS3N.DE, VFEA.DE are listed in EUR, so their returns include currency moves against the US dollar. Past performance does not indicate future returns.
What differs for an investor living in the UAE
- US estate tax. A US-domiciled ETF counts as a US asset. For a person who is not a US citizen or resident, US estate tax can apply above US$60,000 of US assets, at rates that rise to 40%. Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETFs are generally not treated as US assets for this tax.
- Tax on US dividends. The UAE has no income tax treaty with the United States, so US dividends paid to a UAE resident usually have 30% withheld. An Irish UCITS fund pays 15% on the US dividends it receives, under the US and Ireland treaty.
The outcome depends on your nationality, residence and facts, so confirm your own position with a tax adviser. Sources: IRS, nonresidents with US assets; IRS, income tax treaties, checked October 2026. Irish UCITS ETFs for UAE residents.
Compared side by side for UAE residents
Questions
How are these emerging markets etfs ordered?
By fund size, largest first. Click any column heading to sort by returns, volatility, worst fall or cost. We do not label any fund as the best.
Which costs the least each year?
Of the funds listed, VWO has the lowest expense ratio, 0.06% a year. Cost is the most certain difference between funds that hold similar things.
Should someone in the UAE use a US-listed or an Irish UCITS version?
It depends on your nationality, residence and plans. A US-domiciled ETF counts as a US asset for US estate tax, which can apply above US$60,000 for a person who is not a US citizen or resident; Irish UCITS ETFs generally do not. Confirm your position with a tax adviser.