QEMM vs SPY
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QEMM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QEMM offers more diversification with 855 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEMM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $61M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 855 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.58% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.51% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.82% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.59% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QEMM vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF (QEMM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QEMM returned +32.51% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, QEMM is up 21.58% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, QEMM compounded at +19.82% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.59% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.33%. 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 14.5% for QEMM. 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 -40.5% for QEMM 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEMM charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QEMM currently yields 4.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QEMM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1310 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, QEMM or SPY?
QEMM has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEMM or SPY?
Over the past year QEMM returned +32.51% vs +20.83% for SPY, so QEMM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEMM annualized +4.33% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEMM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for QEMM. Worst drawdown: QEMM -40.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QEMM and SPY?
QEMM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QEMM and SPY?
QEMM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1310 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEMM or SPY?
QEMM yields 4.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QEMM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.