HEEM vs SPY
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. HEEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $276M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,327 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.32% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.74% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.14% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.33% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HEEM vs SPY Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM) 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 HEEM returned +34.74% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, HEEM is up 18.32% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, HEEM compounded at +22.14% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.33% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% for HEEM. 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 -33.5% for HEEM 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
HEEM charges 0.72% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $9 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEEM currently yields 1.75% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HEEM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 532 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, HEEM or SPY?
HEEM has an expense ratio of 0.72% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEEM or SPY?
Over the past year HEEM returned +34.74% vs +21.53% for SPY, so HEEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HEEM annualized +7.77% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEEM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for HEEM. Worst drawdown: HEEM -33.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HEEM and SPY?
HEEM 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 HEEM and SPY?
HEEM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEEM or SPY?
HEEM yields 1.75% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HEEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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