EEMD vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EEMD (AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EEMD tracks the S&P Emerging Markets Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield while SPEM tracks the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EEMD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

EEMD vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF (EEMD) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

EEMD

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPEM

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 12.45%
• 6M: 14.11%
• 1Y: 31.35%
• 3Y*: 18.73%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: 9.45%

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

EEMD vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMD AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF	0.00%	0.00%	9.61%	17.60%	-11.21%	5.54%	-0.35%	12.55%	-14.57%	5.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	12.45%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	2.82%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMD and SPEM is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2017	0.68

The correlation between EEMD and SPEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (3 years) to 0.68 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EEMD vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMD	SPEM
Utilities	11.3%	2.8%
Energy	10.6%	4.7%
Real Estate	9.8%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	9.7%	3.9%
Healthcare	9.5%	4.0%
Communication Services	9.1%	7.2%
Financial Services	9.0%	20.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	10.4%
Industrials	8.2%	8.5%
Basic Materials	7.4%	8.2%
Technology	6.6%	28.2%

Return for Risk

EEMD vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 57
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

EEMD vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF (EEMD) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EEMD	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.98	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.23	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMD	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-64.41%	—
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	—	-31.88%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-1.40%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-14.75%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.10%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EEMD	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.69%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.29%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	15.92%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	17.13%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	18.80%	—

EEMD vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMD vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

EEMD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.47%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMD AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF	0.00%	0.00%	4.03%	8.41%	7.66%	6.34%	3.84%	5.35%	4.91%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.47%	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 EEMD and SPEM in my portfolio?

EEMD and SPEM have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EEMD or SPEM?

On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMD or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EEMD.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.47%, compared with 0.00% for EEMD.

What is the main difference between EEMD and SPEM?

EEMD tracks S&P Emerging Markets Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: Advisors Asset Management and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EEMD and 0.11% for SPEM.