Key Points
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iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF provides concentrated exposure to developing economies with higher recent returns but also greater historical drawdowns than iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF.
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iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF offers a lower expense ratio and broader diversification across both developed and emerging markets compared to the more focused iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF.
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iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF has provided a higher distribution yield and better risk-adjusted growth over the last five years than iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF.
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The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ:IXUS) provides broad global exposure, whereas the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEMKT:IEMG) targets specific growth and volatility within developing economies.
Both funds offer low-cost access to non-U.S. equities, yet they serve different roles in a portfolio. While IXUS covers the entire international landscape, IEMG focuses exclusively on emerging markets, leading to distinct risk profiles and sector concentrations for investors looking to diversify outside domestic borders.
Snapshot (cost & size)MetricIXUSIEMGIssueriSharesiSharesExpense ratio0.07%0.09%1-yr return (as of May 6, 2026)35.6%52.1%Dividend yield2.9%2.2%Beta0.770.72AUM$56.5 billion$155.0 billion
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.
The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF is slightly more affordable with a 0.07% expense ratio compared to 0.09% for the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF. Investors may also find the 2.9% distribution yield of the international fund more attractive than the 2.2% offered by the emerging markets fund.
Performance & risk comparisonMetricIXUSIEMGMax drawdown (5 yr)(30.1%)(37.1%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)$1,513$1,437What’s inside
The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEMKT:IEMG) focuses on developing economies, with technology representing 23%, financials at 18%, and consumer discretionary at 7% of the portfolio. Its largest positions include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing at 12.56%, Samsung Electronics at 5.39%, and SK Hynix at 3.87%. Launched in 2012, this fund holds 2,661 securities and has a trailing-12-month dividend of $1.85 per share.
In contrast, the iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ:IXUS) provides broader reach with 4,160 holdings and covers both developed and emerging regions. Its sector mix leans toward financial services at 23%, followed by industrials and technology at 16% each. Its top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing at 4.11%, Samsung Electronics at 1.77%, and ASML Holding at 1.31%. Also launched in 2012, it has paid $2.74 per share over the trailing 12 months.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
What this means for investors
For investors looking beyond U.S. borders, the choice often comes down to how much risk they want to take on.