Low Vol EM ETF Continues to Impress With AUM Gains

An interesting trend is developing with some of the most noteworthy emerging markets ETFs this quarter. As Barron's reports, the Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSE:VWO) has lost $200 million in assets.

There is no need to cry for VWO. It is still the largest emerging markets ETF with $56 billion in assets. What makes the departure, albeit small, of assets from VWO is that the rival iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (NYSE:EEM) has picked up $2.2 billion in investor cash this quarter, Barron's reported, citing XTF.com data.

EEM long ago lost the title of largest emerging markets ETF to VWO based primarily on the expense ratios of the two funds. VWO charges just 0.2 percent per year while EEM charges 0.67 percent. So on a percentage for the quarter, EEM has added an impressive six percent to its assets under management total and the fund is now resting near $39 billion.

More impressive on a percentage basis has been another emerging markets ETF that is quickly becoming known for its asset-gathering acumen. That fund is the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility Index Fund (NYSE:EEMV).

No, the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility Index Fund cannot compete with EEM in dollar terms, but the former has added 10.2 percent to its AUM total since October 16. While EEMV is too large to accurately be deemed "anonymous" or "overlooked," it does not garner mainstream attention on par with that of EEM or VWO.

Arguably, that is problematic on some level EEMV has some secret weapons in its favor that may make the better bet than EEM or VWO. Namely, EEMV has sharply outperformed its larger rivals with an expense ratio of just 0.25 percent.

Said another way, by paying five extra basis points for EEMV over VWO, investors have been treated to nearly 600 basis points in additional alpha this year. EEMV also delivers on its low volatility promise. The ETF's year-to-date volatility is 15.5 percent compared to 19.9 percent for VWO and 20.4 percent for EEM.

Should the fiscal cliff be averted and emerging markets equities pop through year-end, it would not be surprising to see EEMV add to its AUM and perhaps begin a flirtation with the $1 billion threshold next year.

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