EEMX vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EEMX (SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EEMX is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex Fossil Fuels Index, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EEMX returned 9.07%/yr vs 6.53%/yr for SPEM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EEMX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

EEMX vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEMX achieves a 32.21% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 14.64% return.

EEMX

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 9.19%
• YTD: 32.21%
• 6M: 33.98%
• 1Y: 59.90%
• 3Y*: 26.28%
• 5Y*: 9.07%
• 10Y*: —

SPEM

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 4.42%
• YTD: 14.64%
• 6M: 15.36%
• 1Y: 33.19%
• 3Y*: 19.39%
• 5Y*: 6.53%
• 10Y*: 9.96%

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

EEMX vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMX SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF	32.21%	35.23%	7.22%	9.80%	-19.75%	-3.57%	19.55%	18.56%	-16.76%	38.46%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	14.64%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMX and SPEM is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2016	0.88

The correlation between EEMX and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

EEMX vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMX	SPEM
Technology	26.8%	32.1%
Financial Services	11.1%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	9.6%
Communication Services	4.4%	6.7%
Basic Materials	2.6%	8.0%
Industrials	2.3%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.6%	3.6%
Healthcare	1.4%	3.7%
Utilities	0.9%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.8%
Energy	0.3%	4.2%

Return for Risk

EEMX vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMX

EEMX Risk / Return Rank: 83
EEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
EEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
EEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
EEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 61
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 63
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

EEMX vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EEMX) 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.

	EEMX	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	1.99	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	2.70	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.37	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.33	2.93	+1.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.38	10.51	+5.87

EEMX vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMX and SPEM, 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

EEMX vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMX drawdown since its inception was -39.90%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMX and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMX	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.90%	-64.41%	+24.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.89%	-11.36%	-2.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.64%	-17.62%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.99%	-31.75%	-5.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.68%	-14.72%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.67%	3.16%	+0.51%

Volatility

EEMX vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EEMX) has a higher volatility of 11.25% compared to SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) at 6.73%. This indicates that EEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMX	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.25%	6.73%	+4.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.64%	14.43%	+6.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.84%	16.77%	+6.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.64%	17.30%	+2.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.54%	18.84%	+1.70%

EEMX vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMX vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

EEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, less than SPEM's 3.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMX SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF	1.71%	2.28%	2.26%	2.20%	2.38%	1.72%	1.42%	2.57%	2.41%	2.45%	0.15%	0.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.45%	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 EEMX and SPEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, EEMX 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 is riskier, EEMX or SPEM?

EEMX has higher volatility (11.25%) compared to SPEM (6.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMX dropped -39.90% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, EEMX or SPEM?

On 5-year performance, EEMX leads with 9.07% vs 6.53% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, SPEM has been the lower-risk option at 6.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEMX or SPEM?

Over the 5-year period, EEMX has performed better with a 9.07% return vs 6.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMX or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for EEMX.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 3.44%, compared with 1.71% for EEMX.

What is the main difference between EEMX and SPEM?

EEMX is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. EEMX tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex Fossil Fuels Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging BMI Index. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for EEMX and 0.07% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.99), 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.