JEMA vs SPY
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. JEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. JEMA offers more diversification with 517 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JEMA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 517 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.78% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.20% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.85% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.39% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JEMA vs SPY Performance
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JEMA returned +43.20% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, JEMA is up 22.78% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, JEMA compounded at +23.85% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.39% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +6.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JEMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -39.5% for JEMA 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JEMA charges 0.34% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $9 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JEMA currently yields 2.41% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JEMA and SPY share 1 holdings out of 963 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 JEMA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPWR | 0.08% | 0.10% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JEMA or SPY?
JEMA has an expense ratio of 0.34% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JEMA or SPY?
Over the past year JEMA returned +43.20% vs +20.83% for SPY, so JEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), JEMA annualized +6.52% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JEMA or SPY?
JEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JEMA -39.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JEMA and SPY?
JEMA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JEMA and SPY?
JEMA and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 963 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JEMA or SPY?
JEMA yields 2.41% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JEMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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