GEM vs IVV
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. GEM offers more diversification with 722 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GEM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 777 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +17.16% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.67% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.20% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.31% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2015 | May 15, 2000 |
GEM vs IVV Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GEM returned +34.67% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, GEM is up 17.16% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, GEM compounded at +20.20% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +7.31% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GEM has the edge at +9.02% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -37.0% for GEM and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GEM charges 0.35% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEM currently yields 1.87% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GEM and IVV share 1 holdings out of 1226 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GEM | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEL | 0.05% | 0.09% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GEM or IVV?
GEM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GEM or IVV?
Over the past year GEM returned +34.67% vs +23.01% for IVV, so GEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GEM annualized +9.02% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GEM or IVV?
GEM has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GEM -37.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GEM and IVV?
GEM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GEM and IVV?
GEM and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1226 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GEM or IVV?
GEM yields 1.87% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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