EMQQ vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EMQQ (EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EMQQ tracks the EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet Index while SPEM tracks the S&P Emerging BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EMQQ returned 4.32%/yr vs 9.62%/yr for SPEM. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMQQ charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet ETF (EMQQ) 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, EMQQ achieves a -24.03% return, which is significantly lower than SPEM's 11.15% return. Over the past 10 years, EMQQ has underperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 4.32%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively higher 9.62% annualized return.

EMQQ

• 1D: -2.14%
• 1M: -5.28%
• YTD: -24.03%
• 6M: -23.90%
• 1Y: -21.65%
• 3Y*: 3.56%
• 5Y*: -12.41%
• 10Y*: 4.32%

SPEM

• 1D: -3.05%
• 1M: 1.24%
• YTD: 11.15%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 28.20%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: 9.62%

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

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMQQ EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet ETF	-24.03%	20.66%	13.79%	4.48%	-30.70%	-32.53%	80.45%	33.86%	-29.82%	68.20%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.15%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between EMQQ and SPEM is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2014	0.82

The correlation between EMQQ and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMQQ	SPEM
Consumer Cyclical	33.1%	9.6%
Technology	8.2%	32.1%
Communication Services	6.8%	6.7%
Financial Services	3.6%	19.2%
Real Estate	2.7%	1.8%
Utilities	0.4%	2.8%
Industrials	0.3%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.2%	3.6%
Healthcare	0.0%	3.7%
Basic Materials	-	8.0%
Energy	-	4.2%

Return for Risk

EMQQ vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMQQ

EMQQ Risk / Return Rank: 2
EMQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
EMQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
EMQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 2
EMQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
EMQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 2

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 51
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 51
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet ETF (EMQQ) 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.

	EMQQ	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.05	1.66	-2.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.47	2.28	-3.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	1.31	-0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.67	2.49	-3.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.31	8.92	-10.23

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMQQ Sharpe Ratio is -1.05, which is lower than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMQQ 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

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMQQ drawdown since its inception was -73.24%, which is greater than SPEM's maximum drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMQQ and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMQQ	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.24%	-64.41%	-8.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-32.55%	-11.36%	-21.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.55%	-17.62%	-14.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.31%	-31.75%	-34.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-73.24%	-36.06%	-37.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-59.98%	-3.05%	-56.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.47%	-14.72%	-16.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.56%	3.17%	+13.39%

Volatility

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet ETF (EMQQ) is 5.99%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 7.51%. This indicates that EMQQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMQQ	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.99%	7.51%	-1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.76%	14.76%	+2.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.77%	17.03%	+3.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.14%	17.35%	+15.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.61%	18.80%	+11.81%

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMQQ has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMQQ vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

EMQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.07%, more than SPEM's 2.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMQQ EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet ETF	4.07%	3.09%	1.70%	0.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	1.29%	0.00%	0.94%	0.75%	0.08%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.52%	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 EMQQ and SPEM in my portfolio?

EMQQ and SPEM have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMQQ or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (7.51%) compared to EMQQ (5.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMQQ dropped -73.24% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, EMQQ or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, SPEM leads with 9.62% vs 4.32% for EMQQ. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, EMQQ has been the lower-risk option at 5.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMQQ or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, SPEM has performed better with a 9.62% return vs 4.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMQQ or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for EMQQ.

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

EMQQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.07%, compared with 2.52% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between EMQQ and SPEM?

EMQQ tracks EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.86% for EMQQ and 0.07% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs -1.05), 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.