SDEM vs SPY
Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $45M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.02% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.88% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.64% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.76% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SDEM vs SPY Performance
Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SDEM returned +19.88% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, SDEM is up 10.02% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, SDEM compounded at +19.64% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.76% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +0.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -57.2% for SDEM 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDEM charges 0.66% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $9 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDEM currently yields 5.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SDEM and SPY share 1 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SDEM | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEL | 1.78% | 0.09% | 1.69% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDEM or SPY?
SDEM has an expense ratio of 0.66% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDEM or SPY?
Over the past year SDEM returned +19.88% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SDEM annualized +0.56% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDEM or SPY?
SDEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SDEM -57.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SDEM and SPY?
SDEM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDEM and SPY?
SDEM and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDEM or SPY?
SDEM yields 5.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SDEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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