EMM vs SPY
Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EMM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $56M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.65% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.18% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EMM vs SPY Performance
Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) 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 EMM returned +43.18% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, EMM is up 23.65% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, EMM compounded at +19.85% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, EMM has the edge at +18.42% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -22.0% for EMM 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMM charges 0.66% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $9 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMM currently yields 0.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EMM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 547 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, EMM or SPY?
EMM has an expense ratio of 0.66% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMM or SPY?
Over the past year EMM returned +43.18% vs +22.52% for SPY, so EMM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), EMM annualized +18.42% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMM or SPY?
EMM has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EMM -22.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EMM and SPY?
EMM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMM and SPY?
EMM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMM or SPY?
EMM yields 0.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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