GEM vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GEM (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity 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, GEM returned 10.51%/yr vs 11.00%/yr for IEMG. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GEM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

GEM vs. IEMG - 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 Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with GEM having a 29.96% return and IEMG slightly lower at 28.97%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GEM having a 10.51% annualized return and IEMG not far ahead at 11.00%.

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%

IEMG

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 7.60%
• YTD: 28.97%
• 6M: 30.48%
• 1Y: 53.20%
• 3Y*: 24.44%
• 5Y*: 8.45%
• 10Y*: 11.00%

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

GEM vs. IEMG - 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%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	28.97%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%

Correlation

The correlation between GEM and IEMG is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2015	0.98

The correlation between GEM and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

GEM vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GEM	IEMG
Technology	43.5%	42.1%
Financial Services	18.6%	16.7%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	8.5%
Communication Services	6.4%	5.6%
Basic Materials	6.4%	6.3%
Industrials	5.6%	8.0%
Energy	3.0%	3.3%
Healthcare	2.9%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	2.8%
Utilities	1.8%	1.9%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.6%

Return for Risk

GEM vs. IEMG — 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

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 79
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 82
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. IEMG - 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 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.

	GEM	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	2.50	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	3.18	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.47	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.08	4.05	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.13	14.87	+0.26

GEM vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GEM 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

GEM vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GEM drawdown since its inception was -37.02%, roughly equal to the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GEM and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GEM	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.02%	-38.71%	+1.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.50%	-13.21%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.54%	-17.21%	+0.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.10%	-35.75%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.02%	-38.71%	+1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.97%	-12.94%	+0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.64%	3.59%	+0.05%

Volatility

GEM vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) have volatilities of 10.70% and 10.67%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GEM	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.70%	10.67%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.31%	19.30%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.48%	21.44%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.18%	18.84%	-0.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.22%	20.21%	-0.99%

GEM vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GEM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

GEM vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

GEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than IEMG's 2.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.09%	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 GEM and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, GEM 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, GEM or IEMG?

GEM has higher volatility (10.70%) compared to IEMG (10.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GEM dropped -37.02% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, GEM or IEMG?

On 10-year performance, IEMG leads with 11.00% vs 10.51% for GEM. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GEM or IEMG?

Over the 10-year period, IEMG has performed better with a 11.00% 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 IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for GEM.

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

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.09%, compared with 1.77% for GEM.

What is the main difference between GEM and IEMG?

GEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while IEMG is Emerging Markets Diversified. GEM tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index, while IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GEM and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 2.50), 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.