GS vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GS (The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.) is a stock, while SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) is Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Over the past 10 years, GS returned 24.48%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

GS vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) 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, GS achieves a 22.08% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, GS has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 24.48%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

GS

• 1D: 2.62%
• 1M: 12.54%
• YTD: 22.08%
• 6M: 20.84%
• 1Y: 76.70%
• 3Y*: 49.31%
• 5Y*: 25.98%
• 10Y*: 24.48%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

GS vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GS The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.	22.08%	56.64%	52.03%	15.91%	-7.87%	47.61%	17.45%	40.48%	-33.53%	7.73%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between GS and SPEM is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2007	0.53

The correlation between GS and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GS vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

GS

GS Risk / Return Rank: 91
GS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
GS Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
GS Omega Ratio Rank: 91
GS Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
GS Martin Ratio Rank: 92

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

GS vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) 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.

	GS	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.59	1.55	+1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	2.16	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.29	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.80	2.28	+1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.61	8.16	+4.45

GS vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GS Sharpe Ratio is 2.59, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GS 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

GS vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GS drawdown since its inception was -78.84%, which is greater than SPEM's maximum drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GS and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	GS	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.84%	-64.41%	-14.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.42%	-11.36%	-8.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.90%	-17.62%	-13.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.84%	-31.75%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.75%	-36.06%	-12.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.73%	-2.40%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.65%	-14.73%	-7.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.84%	3.17%	+2.67%

Volatility

GS vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) has a higher volatility of 11.84% compared to SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) at 6.87%. This indicates that GS'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

	GS	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.84%	6.87%	+4.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.47%	14.21%	+9.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.55%	16.67%	+11.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.10%	17.26%	+10.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.87%	18.83%	+11.04%

Dividends

GS vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

GS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.60%, less than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GS The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.	1.60%	1.59%	2.01%	2.72%	2.62%	1.70%	1.90%	1.80%	1.89%	1.14%	1.09%	1.41%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	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 GS and SPEM in my portfolio?

GS and SPEM have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GS or SPEM?

GS has higher volatility (11.84%) compared to SPEM (6.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GS dropped -78.84% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 1.55), 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.