KEMX vs SPY
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. KEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KEMX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $131M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.66% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 295 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +29.71% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.60% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.18% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.24% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KEMX vs SPY Performance
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX) is a ETF from KraneShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KEMX returned +53.60% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, KEMX is up 29.71% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, KEMX compounded at +27.18% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.24% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, KEMX has the edge at +12.78% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -38.8% for KEMX 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KEMX charges 0.24% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $9 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KEMX currently yields 2.66% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KEMX and SPY share 1 holdings out of 784 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KEMX | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.24% | 0.04% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KEMX or SPY?
KEMX has an expense ratio of 0.24% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KEMX or SPY?
Over the past year KEMX returned +53.60% vs +20.62% for SPY, so KEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), KEMX annualized +12.78% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KEMX or SPY?
KEMX has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KEMX -38.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KEMX and SPY?
KEMX and SPY 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 KEMX and SPY?
KEMX and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KEMX or SPY?
KEMX yields 2.66% while SPY yields 1.01%, so KEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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