REMG vs SPY
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. REMG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REMG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $113M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 383 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.17% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.73% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
REMG vs SPY Performance
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) is a ETF from Russell Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year REMG returned +37.73% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, REMG is up 20.17% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REMG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -14.1% for REMG 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REMG charges 0.64% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $9 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REMG currently yields 1.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
REMG and SPY share 3 holdings out of 839 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, REMG or SPY?
REMG has an expense ratio of 0.64% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REMG or SPY?
Over the past year REMG returned +37.73% vs +21.53% for SPY, so REMG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), REMG annualized +42.26% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REMG or SPY?
REMG has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: REMG -14.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both REMG and SPY?
REMG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REMG and SPY?
REMG and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 839 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REMG or SPY?
REMG yields 1.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so REMG 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.