EEM vs SPY
EEM vs SPY
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEM offers more diversification with 1109 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $28.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.63% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,224 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.32% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.26% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.82% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.23% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2003 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EEM vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EEM returned +35.26% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, EEM is up 17.32% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, EEM compounded at +20.82% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.23% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -68.8% for EEM 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEM charges 0.72% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $9 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEM currently yields 1.63% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEM or SPY?
EEM has an expense ratio of 0.72% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEM or SPY?
Over the past year EEM returned +35.26% vs +23.66% for SPY, so EEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), EEM annualized +8.49% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEM or SPY?
EEM has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EEM -68.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EEM and SPY?
EEM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEM and SPY?
EEM and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEM or SPY?
EEM yields 1.63% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EEM 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.