QEMM vs VYM
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QEMM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QEMM offers more diversification with 855 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEMM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $61M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.52% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 855 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +21.58% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.51% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.82% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.59% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QEMM vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF (QEMM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QEMM returned +32.51% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, QEMM is up 21.58% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, QEMM compounded at +19.82% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.59% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +4.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEMM charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QEMM currently yields 4.52% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QEMM and VYM share 3 holdings out of 1406 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEMM or VYM?
QEMM has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEMM or VYM?
Over the past year QEMM returned +32.51% vs +22.16% for VYM, so QEMM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEMM annualized +4.33% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEMM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.5% for QEMM. Worst drawdown: QEMM -40.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QEMM and VYM?
QEMM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QEMM and VYM?
QEMM and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1406 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEMM or VYM?
QEMM yields 4.52% while VYM yields 2.24%, so QEMM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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