NEMD vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNEMDSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.09%
AUM-$789.1B
Dividend Yield-1.01%
Holdings244505
YTD Return+4.03%+13.39%
1Y Return+11.49%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)5.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-4.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyNeuberger BermanState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionAug 11, 2025Jan 22, 1993

NEMD vs SPY Performance

Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (NEMD) is a ETF from Neuberger Berman and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NEMD returned +11.49% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, NEMD is up 4.03% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.5% for NEMD. 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 -4.4% for NEMD 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

NEMD charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

NEMD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 555 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, NEMD or SPY?

NEMD has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.

Which performed better, NEMD or SPY?

Over the past year NEMD returned +11.49% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, NEMD or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.5% for NEMD. Worst drawdown: NEMD -4.4% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both NEMD and SPY?

NEMD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between NEMD and SPY?

NEMD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.

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