EEMA vs SPY
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEMA offers more diversification with 779 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $831M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 899 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.60% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.36% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.53% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EEMA vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EEMA returned +37.60% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, EEMA is up 18.34% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, EEMA compounded at +22.36% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.53% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -44.3% for EEMA 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMA charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMA currently yields 1.31% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMA or SPY?
EEMA has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMA or SPY?
Over the past year EEMA returned +37.60% vs +22.91% for SPY, so EEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEMA annualized +5.86% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMA or SPY?
EEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EEMA -44.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EEMA and SPY?
EEMA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMA and SPY?
EEMA and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1280 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMA or SPY?
EEMA yields 1.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EEMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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