AGEM vs SPY
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AGEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $336M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.75% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.01% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.94% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +39.94% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1993 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AGEM vs SPY Performance
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) is a ETF from Aberdeen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AGEM returned +42.01% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, AGEM is up 22.75% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, AGEM compounded at +39.94% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +39.94% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +5.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.5% for AGEM and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGEM charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGEM currently yields 1.89% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AGEM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 592 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGEM or SPY?
AGEM has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGEM or SPY?
Over the past year AGEM returned +42.01% vs +22.52% for SPY, so AGEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), AGEM annualized +5.62% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGEM or SPY?
AGEM has been the more volatile fund at 23.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AGEM -33.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AGEM and SPY?
AGEM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGEM and SPY?
AGEM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 592 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGEM or SPY?
AGEM yields 1.89% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AGEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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