SPEM vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPEM offers more diversification with 2853 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPEM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $17.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,044 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.49% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.94% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.39% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.70% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPEM vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) 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 SPEM returned +22.94% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SPEM is up 10.49% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SPEM compounded at +17.39% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.70% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPEM charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPEM currently yields 2.53% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPEM and VYM share 9 holdings out of 3402 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, SPEM or VYM?
SPEM has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPEM or VYM?
Over the past year SPEM returned +22.94% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPEM annualized +3.91% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPEM or VYM?
SPEM has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPEM -65.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPEM and VYM?
SPEM and VYM 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 VYM?
SPEM and VYM share 9 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3402 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPEM or VYM?
SPEM yields 2.53% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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