BCEM vs. SPEM

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

BCEM (Baron Emerging Markets Select ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. BCEM is actively managed, while SPEM is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BCEM charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

BCEM vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron Emerging Markets Select ETF (BCEM) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BCEM

• 1D: -2.97%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPEM

• 1D: -1.90%
• 1M: 1.96%
• 6M: 6.65%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 1Y: 22.76%
• 3Y*: 17.35%
• 5Y*: 6.35%
• 10Y*: 8.94%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BCEM vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BCEM Baron Emerging Markets Select ETF	6.53%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	5.00%

Correlation

The correlation between BCEM and SPEM is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2026	0.91

Return for Risk

BCEM vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BCEM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 46
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 50

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BCEM vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron Emerging Markets Select ETF (BCEM) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BCEM	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.34	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.87	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.01	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	7.05	—

Drawdowns

BCEM vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BCEM drawdown since its inception was -8.79%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BCEM and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BCEM	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.79%	-64.41%	+55.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.36%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.04%	-3.99%	-4.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.58%	-14.69%	+12.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.24%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCEM	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.91%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.92%	17.16%	+16.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.92%	17.38%	+16.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.92%	18.76%	+15.16%

BCEM vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCEM has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCEM vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

BCEM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.55%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BCEM Baron Emerging Markets Select ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.55%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCEM and SPEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BCEM and SPEM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, BCEM or SPEM?

On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCEM or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for BCEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCEM or SPEM?

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 0.00% for BCEM.

What is the main difference between BCEM and SPEM?

They also come from different issuers: Baron Capital and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for BCEM and 0.07% for SPEM.