Dividend comparison
EEM vs AVEM: Which Is Better?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
EEM vs AVEM: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Fees. AVEM is cheaper at 0.33% a year versus 0.72% for EEM. On $10,000 that is $39 a year less in fees.
- Income. AVEM pays more income, yielding 2.68% over the last twelve months versus 1.76% for EEM. That is about $92 more a year on $10,000. Both pay semi-annual.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, AVEM returned 51.6% versus 35.7% for EEM, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $15,164 in AVEM and $13,573 in EEM.
- Risk. EEM has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -33.8%, against -30.6% for AVEM.
- Diversification. AVEM holds 4,019 positions and EEM holds 1,186.
- Dividend growth. EEM grew its yearly payout 6.4% a year over the last 4 years, versus 3.4% for AVEM.
Bottom line: EEM fits better if you care most about faster dividend growth. AVEM fits better if you care most about lower fees, more income today, stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and broader diversification.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 1.76% | 2.68% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $1.11 | $2.40 |
| Payout frequency | Semi-annual | Semi-annual |
| Last dividend | $0.3508 on Jun 18, 2026 | $0.6483 on Sep 10, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Jun 15, 2026 | Sep 8, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 6.4% over 4 yrs | 3.4% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $63.32 | $89.56 |
| Dividend growth streak | 1 year | 3 years |
| Beta | 1.03 | 1.02 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -33.8% | -30.6% |
| Market cap | $29.13B | $27.27B |
| Exchange | AMEX | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.33% |
| Assets under management | $29.39B | $27.46B |
| Number of holdings | 1186 | 4019 |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
EEM
$14.66/mo
$176 /yr at 1.76% yield
AVEM
$22.36/mo
$268 /yr at 2.68% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. EEM pays semi-annual; AVEM pays semi-annual.
| Year | EEM | AVEM |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1.2149 | $1.8873 |
| 2024 | $1.0172 | $1.8655 |
| 2023 | $1.0582 | $1.7228 |
| 2022 | $0.9722 | $1.3979 |
| 2021 | $0.9476 | $1.6502 |
Strategy: International equity
Funds that hold companies outside the United States, either across developed markets like Europe, Japan and Canada, across emerging markets like China, India and Taiwan, or both. Index providers disagree on edge cases such as whether South Korea is developed or emerging and whether small caps or Canada are included, which explains most of the gap between similar-looking funds. Dividend yields are usually higher than in the US market.
Returns are exposed to currency moves and to political and regulatory risk that US investors do not face at home, and emerging markets add wide swings.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $13,573 in EEM and $15,164 in AVEM.
| Period | EEM | AVEM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -5.53% | -4.98% |
| 3 months | -0.38% | 0.34% |
| Year to date | 16.33% | 16.28% |
| 1 year | 17.56% | 16.31% |
| 3 years | 84.88% | 85.58% |
| 5 years | 35.73% | 51.64% |
- EEM
- AVEM
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Sector allocation
Weight of each sector within the fund. Sectors are aligned on the same row so the two funds can be read against each other directly.
- EEM
- AVEM
Quick verdict
EEM fits better if you care most about faster dividend growth. AVEM fits better if you care most about lower fees, more income today, stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and broader diversification. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how EEM vs AVEM fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is EEM or AVEM better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. EEM currently yields 1.76% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while AVEM yields 2.68%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between EEM and AVEM?
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which is cheaper, EEM or AVEM?
AVEM has the lower expense ratio. EEM charges 0.72% a year and AVEM charges 0.33%, a difference of $39 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which has performed better, EEM or AVEM?
Over the last 5 years, AVEM has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: EEM returned 35.7% and AVEM returned 51.6%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, EEM or AVEM?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, EEM has been riskier: EEM fell as much as 33.8% and AVEM as much as 30.6%. Their betas are 1.03 and 1.02.
How often do EEM and AVEM pay dividends?
Both pay semi-annual. The most recent payments were $0.3508 for EEM and $0.6483 for AVEM.
How much income does $10,000 in EEM vs AVEM generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in EEM would generate roughly $14.66 per month ($176 annually). The same amount in AVEM would produce about $22.36 per month ($268 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both EEM and AVEM?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare EEM vs AVEM with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how EEM and AVEM fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.