EMOP vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. EMOP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: EMOPMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEMOPSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.70%0.09%
AUM$2.0B$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings83505
YTD Return+22.69%+13.68%
1Y Return+41.53%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)20.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-13.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAllianceBernstein L.P.State Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 18, 2025Jan 22, 1993

EMOP vs SPY Performance

AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EMOP returned +41.53% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, EMOP is up 22.69% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EMOP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -13.1% for EMOP 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EMOP charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMOP currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

EMOP and SPY share 1 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EMOPWeight in SPYDifference
CL2.16%0.12%2.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EMOP or SPY?

EMOP has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EMOP or SPY?

Over the past year EMOP returned +41.53% vs +21.53% for SPY, so EMOP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EMOP annualized +43.42% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EMOP or SPY?

EMOP has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EMOP -13.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both EMOP and SPY?

EMOP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EMOP and SPY?

EMOP and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EMOP or SPY?

EMOP yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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