Key Points

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF delivers focused access to fast-developing economies, boasting stronger recent performance but larger historical losses compared to iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF.
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF features a lower cost structure and wider spread across developed and emerging markets versus the narrower iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF.
Over the past five years, iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF has delivered superior yield and risk-adjusted returns relative to iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF.

The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ:IXUS) delivers comprehensive exposure to global markets outside the U.S., while the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEMKT:IEMG) zeros in on the dynamic, volatile arena of emerging economies.

These low-fee funds provide efficient ways to invest in foreign stocks, but they cater to different strategies. IXUS spans the full spectrum of international opportunities, whereas IEMG hones in solely on emerging markets, creating unique risk and sector profiles for those seeking to expand beyond U.S. investments.

Snapshot (cost & size)

Metric	IXUS	IEMG
Issuer	iShares	iShares
Expense ratio	0.07%	0.09%
1-yr return (as of May 6, 2026)	35.6%	52.1%
Dividend yield	2.9%	2.2%
Beta	0.77	0.72
AUM	$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.

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF edges out with a 0.07% expense ratio against 0.09% for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF. Its 2.9% distribution yield also outshines the 2.2% from the emerging markets option, appealing to income-focused investors.

Performance & risk comparison

Metric	IXUS	IEMG
Max drawdown (5 yr)	(30.1%)	(37.1%)
Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)	$1,513	$1,437

What's inside

The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEMKT:IEMG) targets growth in developing nations, with technology at 23%, financials at 18%, and consumer discretionary at 7%. Key holdings feature Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing at 12.56%, Samsung Electronics at 5.39%, and SK Hynix at 3.87%. Since its 2012 launch, it tracks 2,661 securities and distributes $1.85 per share over the trailing 12 months.

Meanwhile, iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ:IXUS) offers expansive coverage via 4,160 holdings across developed and emerging areas. Financial services dominate at 23%, with industrials and technology each at 16%. Top names are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing at 4.11%, Samsung Electronics at 1.77%, and ASML Holding at 1.31%. Launched in 2012 as well, it yields $2.74 per share trailing 12 months.

What this means for investors

Investors venturing abroad must weigh risk tolerance. Developed markets like Japan, the U.K., France, and Germany provide stable diversification with predictable frameworks. Emerging hubs such as China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea promise elevated growth amid heightened volatility, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical risks.

IXUS blends these elements seamlessly, with over 4,000 stocks where developed markets comprise about 75% and emerging the rest. IEMG dives fully into emerging markets, amplifying exposure to the high-potential segments IXUS includes more modestly.

Expense gaps are minimal. The key is alignment with your portfolio. For simple, holistic international access, IXUS stands out as balanced. For those with developed exposure seeking an emerging tilt - and ready for the ups and downs - IEMG fits precisely.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.