iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF — how do they compare? iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF trades at $81.17, while Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF trades at $88.89. The key difference: Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IEMG | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $86.00 | $90.29 |
52-Week Low | $61.76 | $70.00 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IEMG trades at $81.02, up 1.84% today with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The ETF shows strong momentum with 35% returns over the past year, driven by emerging market exposure and a 40% technology weighting focused on AI themes. Recent news highlights IEMG's outperformance versus developed market ETFs and its competitive 0.09% expense ratio.
Outlook remains positive given emerging market growth potential and AI-driven tech exposure, though risks include concentration in volatile emerging economies and elevated RSI levels suggesting potential near-term consolidation. The ETF's valuation discount to US equities and strong institutional inflows support continued investor interest.
Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) trades at $88.87, down 0.35% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages. The ETF shows strong institutional accumulation, with multiple firms increasing positions by over 500% in Q2 2026. Technical indicators show overbought RSI levels but strong trend momentum with ADX readings above 30.
VUG offers exposure to large-cap growth stocks with historical outperformance versus the S&P 500. Risks include growth stock volatility and concentration in technology sectors. The ETF remains attractive for long-term investors seeking growth exposure, though current overbought conditions suggest potential for near-term consolidation.
Trailing returns across standard periods
IEMG tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index, providing broad exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks across over 20 emerging market countries. It is designed as a low-cost core holding for investors seeking diversified growth from economies outside of developed markets.
Read more on IEMG →VUG is an index-based ETF that tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, providing concentrated exposure to the largest and fastest-growing companies in the United States. It focuses on stocks with high growth potential across tech, communication, and consumer sectors, serving as a low-cost, high-conviction core holding for long-term capital appreciation.
Read more on VUG →