EEM vs VEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF compared with Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
VEM
Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- VEM yields more today: 4.30% vs 1.13% (forward).
- EEM pays twice a year; VEM pays every quarter.
- VEM is cheaper to own: 0.49% vs 0.72% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EEM | VEM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $62.01 | $26.06 |
| TTM yield | 1.80% | 3.16% |
| Forward yield | 1.13% | 4.30% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.702 | $1.12 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Dec 21, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.49% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.5% | — |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +7.9% | — |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 50/100 | — |
| 1-year total return | +18.2% | — |
| 1-year price return | +16.1% | — |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 31.1B | 7.0M |
| Years paying | 22.8 | 0.3 |
| Sector / category | Diversified Emerging Mkts | Diversified Emerging Mkts |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| EEM | VEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 161.3 | 383.7 |
| Income per year | $113 | $430 |
| Income per month (avg) | $9 | $36 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEM Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.351 | Est. |
| EEM Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $0.351 | Est. |
| VEM Dec 21, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $0.28 | Est. |
| VEM Mar 22, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $0.28 | Est. |
| VEM Jun 21, 2027 | Jul 5, 2027 | $0.28 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EEMVEM
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, EEM or VEM?
VEM currently has the higher trailing yield: EEM yields 1.80% and VEM yields 3.16%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EEM and VEM pay?
EEM pays twice a year and VEM pays every quarter. EEM's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and VEM's is Dec 21, 2026.
Is EEM or VEM better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EEM and VEM differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.