GEM vs. AIA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GEM (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index, while AIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the S&P Asia 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GEM returned 10.51%/yr vs 15.85%/yr for AIA. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GEM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for AIA.

Performance

GEM vs. AIA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) and iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GEM achieves a 29.96% return, which is significantly lower than AIA's 54.57% return. Over the past 10 years, GEM has underperformed AIA with an annualized return of 10.51%, while AIA has yielded a comparatively higher 15.85% annualized return.

GEM

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 8.42%
• YTD: 29.96%
• 6M: 31.86%
• 1Y: 54.83%
• 3Y*: 24.71%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

AIA

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 12.30%
• YTD: 54.57%
• 6M: 58.84%
• 1Y: 97.46%
• 3Y*: 39.74%
• 5Y*: 13.26%
• 10Y*: 15.85%

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

GEM vs. AIA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	29.96%	33.43%	6.66%	11.82%	-21.33%	-0.19%	13.23%	17.79%	-14.25%	36.43%
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	54.57%	47.79%	20.26%	4.32%	-24.08%	-10.91%	33.73%	22.21%	-14.22%	45.00%

Correlation

The correlation between GEM and AIA is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2015	0.92

The correlation between GEM and AIA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

GEM vs. AIA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GEM	AIA
Technology	43.5%	63.8%
Financial Services	18.6%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	8.6%
Communication Services	6.4%	7.4%
Basic Materials	6.4%	-
Industrials	5.6%	2.0%
Energy	3.0%	0.6%
Healthcare	2.9%	0.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	-
Utilities	1.8%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	0.5%

Return for Risk

GEM vs. AIA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GEM

GEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
GEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
GEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
GEM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
GEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
GEM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

AIA

AIA Risk / Return Rank: 92
AIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
AIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
AIA Omega Ratio Rank: 91
AIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
AIA Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

GEM vs. AIA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) and iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA). 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.

	GEM	AIA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	3.44	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	3.91	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.57	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.08	6.93	-2.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.13	23.86	-8.74

GEM vs. AIA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is comparable to the AIA Sharpe Ratio of 3.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GEM and AIA, 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

GEM vs. AIA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GEM drawdown since its inception was -37.02%, smaller than the maximum AIA drawdown of -60.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GEM and AIA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GEM	AIA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.02%	-60.89%	+23.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.50%	-14.15%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.54%	-21.64%	+5.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.10%	-50.11%	+15.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.02%	-54.64%	+17.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.97%	-16.65%	+4.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.64%	4.10%	-0.46%

Volatility

GEM vs. AIA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) is 10.70%, while iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) has a volatility of 14.76%. This indicates that GEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GEM	AIA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.70%	14.76%	-4.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.31%	25.07%	-5.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.48%	28.53%	-7.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.18%	26.13%	-7.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.22%	23.87%	-4.65%

GEM vs. AIA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GEM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than AIA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

GEM vs. AIA - Dividend Comparison

GEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, more than AIA's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	1.42%	2.50%	2.78%	2.07%	2.59%	1.54%	1.11%	2.24%	2.49%	1.45%	2.29%	2.88%
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.77%	2.30%	2.58%	2.97%	2.96%	3.00%	1.63%	3.13%	2.08%	1.81%	1.98%	0.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GEM and AIA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, GEM and AIA 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, GEM or AIA?

AIA has higher volatility (14.76%) compared to GEM (10.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GEM dropped -37.02% vs AIA's -60.89%.

Which ETF is better, GEM or AIA?

On 10-year performance, AIA leads with 15.85% vs 10.51% for GEM. On fees, GEM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, GEM has been the lower-risk option at 10.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GEM or AIA?

Over the 10-year period, AIA has performed better with a 15.85% return vs 10.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GEM or AIA?

GEM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for AIA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GEM or AIA?

GEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 1.42% for AIA.

What is the main difference between GEM and AIA?

GEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while AIA is Asia Pacific Equities. GEM tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index, while AIA tracks S&P Asia 50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GEM and 0.50% for AIA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.44 vs 2.57), 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.