EEMX vs SPY
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEMX offers more diversification with 1,070 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $184M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,070 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.79% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.15% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.66% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.85% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EEMX vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EEMX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EEMX returned +38.15% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, EEMX is up 20.79% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, EEMX compounded at +23.66% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.85% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -39.9% for EEMX 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMX charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMX currently yields 1.86% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EEMX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1517 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, EEMX or SPY?
EEMX has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMX or SPY?
Over the past year EEMX returned +38.15% vs +21.71% for SPY, so EEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EEMX annualized +7.86% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMX or SPY?
EEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EEMX -39.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EEMX and SPY?
EEMX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMX and SPY?
EEMX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMX or SPY?
EEMX yields 1.86% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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