EDIV vs. EEMS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EDIV (SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and EEMS (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EDIV is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities Index, while EEMS is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EDIV returned 9.21%/yr vs 9.32%/yr for EEMS. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EDIV charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for EEMS.

Performance

EDIV vs. EEMS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EDIV achieves a 5.93% return, which is significantly lower than EEMS's 11.49% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EDIV having a 9.21% annualized return and EEMS not far ahead at 9.32%.

EDIV

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 5.93%
• 6M: 5.72%
• 1Y: 14.10%
• 3Y*: 17.91%
• 5Y*: 10.98%
• 10Y*: 9.21%

EEMS

• 1D: -4.01%
• 1M: -2.11%
• YTD: 11.49%
• 6M: 12.59%
• 1Y: 23.79%
• 3Y*: 15.45%
• 5Y*: 6.33%
• 10Y*: 9.32%

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

EDIV vs. EEMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	5.93%	16.45%	12.75%	41.91%	-15.31%	11.21%	-9.95%	11.80%	-6.16%	28.20%
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	11.49%	19.78%	3.13%	23.09%	-19.12%	18.12%	19.47%	11.25%	-18.98%	34.80%

Correlation

The correlation between EDIV and EEMS is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 18, 2011	0.78

The correlation between EDIV and EEMS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

EDIV vs. EEMS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EDIV	EEMS
Financial Services	16.0%	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	9.3%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	9.9%
Technology	6.8%	26.4%
Industrials	6.4%	18.2%
Communication Services	5.2%	2.9%
Energy	3.7%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.8%	5.8%
Utilities	1.6%	2.6%
Basic Materials	0.9%	8.6%
Healthcare	0.6%	8.7%

Return for Risk

EDIV vs. EEMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

EDIV

EDIV Risk / Return Rank: 31
EDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
EDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 33
EDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
EDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 30

EEMS

EEMS Risk / Return Rank: 40
EEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
EEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
EEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
EEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

EDIV vs. EEMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS). 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.

	EDIV	EEMS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	1.25	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	1.73	-0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.24	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	2.20	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.08	7.37	-3.28

EDIV vs. EEMS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is comparable to the EEMS Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EDIV and EEMS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

EDIV vs. EEMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EDIV drawdown since its inception was -53.36%, which is greater than EEMS's maximum drawdown of -48.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EDIV and EEMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EDIV	EEMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.36%	-48.89%	-4.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.36%	-10.87%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.84%	-19.71%	+5.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.32%	-27.07%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.76%	-48.89%	+8.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.51%	-5.08%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.31%	-10.48%	-8.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	3.24%	+0.22%

Volatility

EDIV vs. EEMS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) is 4.81%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) has a volatility of 9.86%. This indicates that EDIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EEMS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EDIV	EEMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	9.86%	-5.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.71%	17.19%	-6.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.67%	19.11%	-6.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.91%	16.50%	-2.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.38%	18.12%	-0.74%

EDIV vs. EEMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EDIV has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than EEMS's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

EDIV vs. EEMS - Dividend Comparison

EDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.28%, more than EEMS's 2.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	4.28%	4.69%	3.94%	4.26%	4.94%	3.84%	3.52%	3.83%	3.41%	2.99%	4.94%	5.33%
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	2.86%	3.09%	2.60%	2.69%	0.89%	3.56%	2.14%	2.64%	3.06%	2.47%	2.51%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EDIV and EEMS in my portfolio?

EDIV and EEMS have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EDIV or EEMS?

EEMS has higher volatility (9.86%) compared to EDIV (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EDIV dropped -53.36% vs EEMS's -48.89%.

Which ETF is better, EDIV or EEMS?

On 10-year performance, EEMS leads with 9.32% vs 9.21% for EDIV. On fees, EDIV is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EDIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EDIV or EEMS?

Over the 10-year period, EEMS has performed better with a 9.32% return vs 9.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EDIV or EEMS?

EDIV is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.73% for EEMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EDIV or EEMS?

EDIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.28%, compared with 2.86% for EEMS.

What is the main difference between EDIV and EEMS?

EDIV is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while EEMS is Emerging Markets Diversified. EDIV tracks S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities Index, while EEMS tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EDIV and 0.73% for EEMS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEMS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.25 vs 1.12), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.