iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF — how do they compare? iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF trades at $81.35 (market cap $162.00B), while Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF trades at $92 (market cap $384.60B). The key difference: Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF is far larger — about 2.4× iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF's market cap, and 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 — on Pluang, investors hold iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF for 57 Days and Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF for 47 Days on average.
| IEMG | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $162.00B | $384.60B |
Volume | 13,446,151 | 5,662,307 |
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $86.00 | $92.64 |
52-Week Low | $64.22 | $70.00 |
Typical Hold Time | 57 Days | 47 Days |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IEMG trades at $81.29, down 0.91% with bearish technical signals dominating. The ETF faces selling pressure with moving averages indicating a downtrend, though oscillators remain neutral. Recent news highlights IEMG's strong performance against emerging market peers and its appeal for long-term portfolio strategies despite higher volatility compared to developed market alternatives.
The outlook remains cautious given technical weakness, though emerging market exposure offers growth potential. Key risks include sector concentration in technology and emerging market volatility. Analyst comparisons favor IEMG for cost efficiency and performance, but investors should weigh higher drawdowns against return potential.
VUG trades at $92.42, down 0.24% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages but showing overbought conditions on shorter-term RSI readings. The ETF maintains strong long-term performance credentials with 11-12% average annual returns since 2004, though current concentration in mega-cap tech stocks presents both opportunity and risk. Recent dividend activity shows minimal income generation with a $0.09 distribution scheduled for September 2026.
The growth-focused ETF offers exposure to market-leading companies but faces concentration risk with over 36% in three holdings. Long-term investors benefit from Vanguard's low-cost structure and historical outperformance, though near-term technical indicators suggest potential consolidation. Market sentiment remains positive for buy-and-hold strategies despite recent value stock outperformance in 2026.
Trailing returns across standard periods
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
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 →