BKEM vs SPY
BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. BKEM offers more diversification with 1,795 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BKEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.11% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $91M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,795 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -59.73% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -54.32% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -14.96% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.75% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 22, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BKEM vs SPY Performance
BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BKEM returned -54.32% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, BKEM is down 59.73% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BKEM compounded at -14.96% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -12.75% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -5.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BKEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -71.3% for BKEM 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKEM charges 0.11% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $11 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKEM currently yields 3.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BKEM and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1790 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BKEM | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | 0.01% | 0.52% | 0.51% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BKEM or SPY?
BKEM has an expense ratio of 0.11% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKEM or SPY?
Over the past year BKEM returned -54.32% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BKEM annualized -5.36% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKEM or SPY?
BKEM has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BKEM -71.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BKEM and SPY?
BKEM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKEM and SPY?
BKEM and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKEM or SPY?
BKEM yields 3.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BKEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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