EMBD vs SPY
Global X Emerging Markets Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMBD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $249M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.65% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 234 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.45% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.14% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.82% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.82% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 1, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EMBD vs SPY Performance
Global X Emerging Markets Bond ETF (EMBD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EMBD returned +6.14% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, EMBD is up 1.45% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, EMBD compounded at +8.82% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.82% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.8% for EMBD. 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 -25.0% for EMBD 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMBD charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMBD currently yields 5.65% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EMBD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 580 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, EMBD or SPY?
EMBD has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMBD or SPY?
Over the past year EMBD returned +6.14% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), EMBD annualized +3.28% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMBD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.8% for EMBD. Worst drawdown: EMBD -25.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EMBD and SPY?
EMBD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMBD and SPY?
EMBD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMBD or SPY?
EMBD yields 5.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EMBD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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