EMIF vs SPY
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure 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 | EMIF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $13M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.65% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.17% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.01% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.28% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EMIF vs SPY Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF) 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 EMIF returned +6.17% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, EMIF is down 2.65% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, EMIF compounded at +11.01% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.28% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -54.6% for EMIF 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMIF charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMIF currently yields 4.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EMIF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 533 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, EMIF or SPY?
EMIF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMIF or SPY?
Over the past year EMIF returned +6.17% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EMIF annualized +1.40% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMIF or SPY?
EMIF has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EMIF -54.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EMIF and SPY?
EMIF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMIF and SPY?
EMIF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMIF or SPY?
EMIF yields 4.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EMIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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