EMF vs SPY
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EMF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6,444.06 | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.49% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +29.07% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.20% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.33% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.10% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 1987 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EMF vs SPY Performance
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (EMF) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EMF returned +57.20% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, EMF is up 29.07% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, EMF compounded at +32.33% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.10% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.3% 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 -73.7% for EMF 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
EMF charges 1.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $9 annually, a gap of $141 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMF currently yields 6.49% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EMF and SPY share 1 holdings out of 587 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 EMF | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTSH | 0.88% | 0.03% | 0.85% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMF or SPY?
EMF has an expense ratio of 1.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $141 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMF or SPY?
Over the past year EMF returned +57.20% vs +22.52% for SPY, so EMF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), EMF annualized +1.77% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMF or SPY?
EMF has been the more volatile fund at 29.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EMF -73.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EMF and SPY?
EMF 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 EMF and SPY?
EMF and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMF or SPY?
EMF yields 6.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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