SPEM vs VOO
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPEM offers more diversification with 2853 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3,044 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.49% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.94% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.39% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.70% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SPEM vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPEM returned +22.94% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, SPEM is up 10.49% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, SPEM compounded at +17.39% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.70% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +3.91%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPEM charges 0.07% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPEM currently yields 2.53% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SPEM and VOO share 3 holdings out of 3355 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 VOO?
SPEM has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPEM or VOO?
Over the past year SPEM returned +22.94% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPEM annualized +3.91% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPEM or VOO?
SPEM has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SPEM -65.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SPEM and VOO?
SPEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPEM and VOO?
SPEM and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3355 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPEM or VOO?
SPEM yields 2.53% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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