EEMA vs. IEMG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

EEMA (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EEMA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index, while IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EEMA returned 9.49%/yr vs 9.04%/yr for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EEMA charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

EEMA vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEMA achieves a 18.98% return, which is significantly higher than IEMG's 17.70% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EEMA having a 9.49% annualized return and IEMG not far behind at 9.04%.

EEMA

• 1D: -3.06%
• 1M: -3.81%
• 6M: 12.59%
• YTD: 18.98%
• 1Y: 36.78%
• 3Y*: 19.74%
• 5Y*: 6.29%
• 10Y*: 9.49%

IEMG

• 1D: -3.48%
• 1M: -4.18%
• 6M: 11.50%
• YTD: 17.70%
• 1Y: 34.02%
• 3Y*: 18.90%
• 5Y*: 6.68%
• 10Y*: 9.04%

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

EEMA vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMA iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF	18.98%	33.27%	10.23%	6.57%	-21.49%	-4.22%	25.17%	18.60%	-15.76%	43.41%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	17.70%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMA and IEMG is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.93

The correlation between EEMA and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

EEMA vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMA	IEMG
Technology	43.4%	42.1%
Financial Services	15.3%	16.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	8.5%
Industrials	8.4%	8.0%
Communication Services	6.6%	5.6%
Basic Materials	4.4%	6.3%
Healthcare	3.5%	3.2%
Energy	2.8%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	2.8%
Utilities	1.7%	1.9%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.6%

Return for Risk

EEMA vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMA

EEMA Risk / Return Rank: 61
EEMA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
EEMA Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EEMA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
EEMA Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
EEMA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 59
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 60
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

EEMA vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

	EEMA	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.50	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.00	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.29	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.59	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.89	8.86	+0.03

EEMA vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMA Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMA and IEMG, 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

EEMA vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMA drawdown since its inception was -44.18%, which is greater than IEMG's maximum drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMA and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMA	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.18%	-38.71%	-5.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.30%	-13.21%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.23%	-17.21%	-3.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.81%	-34.19%	-4.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.18%	-38.71%	-5.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.21%	-8.73%	+0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.90%	-12.91%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.15%	3.85%	+0.30%

Volatility

EEMA vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) is 10.02%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 10.84%. This indicates that EEMA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMA	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.02%	10.84%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.70%	20.94%	-0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.20%	22.88%	+0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	19.15%	+1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.05%	20.22%	+0.83%

EEMA vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMA has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMA vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

EEMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.38%, less than IEMG's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMA iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF	1.38%	1.48%	1.74%	2.02%	1.78%	2.19%	1.15%	1.86%	2.17%	1.74%	1.74%	2.44%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.29%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EEMA and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, EEMA and IEMG 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 is riskier, EEMA or IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (10.84%) compared to EEMA (10.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMA dropped -44.18% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, EEMA or IEMG?

On 10-year performance, EEMA leads with 9.49% vs 9.04% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, EEMA has been the lower-risk option at 10.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEMA or IEMG?

Over the 10-year period, EEMA has performed better with a 9.49% return vs 9.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMA or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EEMA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EEMA or IEMG?

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 1.38% for EEMA.

What is the main difference between EEMA and IEMG?

EEMA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while IEMG is Emerging Markets Diversified. EEMA tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index, while IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EEMA and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEMA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.50), 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.