IVV vs SPEM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPEM offers more diversification with 2853 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SPEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $17.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.53% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 3,044 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +10.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +22.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +17.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +6.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -65.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 19, 2007 |
IVV vs SPEM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while SPEM returned +22.56%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 10.16% for SPEM.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +17.52% for SPEM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +6.54% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +3.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -65.1% for SPEM. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SPEM charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.53% for SPEM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SPEM share 3 holdings out of 3355 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, IVV or SPEM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPEM charges 0.07%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SPEM?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +22.56% for SPEM, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +3.89% for SPEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SPEM?
SPEM has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SPEM -65.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and SPEM?
IVV and SPEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SPEM?
IVV and SPEM share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3355 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SPEM?
IVV yields 1.09% while SPEM yields 2.53%, so SPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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