SPEM vs SPY
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPEM has a lower expense ratio. SPEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPEM offers more diversification with 2853 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $17.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 3,044 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.16% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.56% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.52% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.54% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPEM vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) 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 SPEM returned +22.56% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SPEM is up 10.16% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SPEM compounded at +17.52% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.54% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +3.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -65.1% for SPEM 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPEM charges 0.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPEM currently yields 2.53% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SPEM and SPY share 3 holdings out of 3353 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, SPEM or SPY?
SPEM has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPEM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPEM or SPY?
Over the past year SPEM returned +22.56% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPEM annualized +3.89% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPEM or SPY?
SPEM has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPEM -65.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPEM and SPY?
SPEM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPEM and SPY?
SPEM and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3353 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPEM or SPY?
SPEM yields 2.53% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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