GSIE vs. IEMG

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

GSIE (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GSIE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity Index, while IEMG is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GSIE returned 9.39%/yr vs 8.78%/yr for IEMG. Their 0.77 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. GSIE charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

GSIE vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSIE achieves a 8.75% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 15.55% return. Over the past 10 years, GSIE has outperformed IEMG with an annualized return of 9.39%, while IEMG has yielded a comparatively lower 8.78% annualized return.

GSIE

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 1.03%
• 6M: 5.39%
• YTD: 8.75%
• 1Y: 17.13%
• 3Y*: 15.96%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: 9.39%
• ALL TIME*: 8.80%

IEMG

• 1D: -1.78%
• 1M: -6.23%
• 6M: 7.28%
• YTD: 15.55%
• 1Y: 28.48%
• 3Y*: 17.89%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: 8.78%
• ALL TIME*: 6.06%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	$16.98M	$19.56M	$19.60M
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	$959.90M	$1.12B	$1.07B

GSIE vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	8.75%	32.53%	5.23%	16.99%	-15.86%	13.27%	7.45%	22.83%	-13.40%	26.22%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	15.55%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%

Correlation

The correlation between GSIE and IEMG is 0.73, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2015	0.77

The correlation between GSIE and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSIE vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSIE	IEMG
Financial Services	27.3%	17.3%
Industrials	18.6%	7.7%
Technology	10.6%	43.6%
Healthcare	9.6%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	7.5%	2.8%
Basic Materials	5.4%	5.8%
Energy	4.2%	3.0%
Communication Services	3.8%	5.6%
Utilities	3.3%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.5%

Return for Risk

GSIE vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSIE

GSIE Risk / Return Rank: 48
GSIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
GSIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
GSIE Omega Ratio Rank: 47
GSIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
GSIE Martin Ratio Rank: 52

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 54
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

GSIE vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) 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.

	GSIE	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.21	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	1.69	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.24	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	2.13	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.99	6.72	-0.73

GSIE vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSIE Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSIE 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

GSIE vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSIE drawdown since its inception was -34.63%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSIE and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSIE	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.63%	-38.71%	+4.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.76%	-13.21%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.07%	-17.21%	+4.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-33.61%	+3.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.63%	-38.71%	+4.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-10.41%	+9.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.99%	-12.90%	+6.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	4.19%	-1.35%

Volatility

GSIE vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) is 3.56%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 7.86%. This indicates that GSIE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSIE	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.56%	7.86%	-4.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.39%	21.27%	-8.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.49%	23.23%	-8.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	19.21%	-3.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.49%	20.26%	-3.77%

GSIE vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSIE has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GSIE vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

GSIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, more than IEMG's 2.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF	2.56%	2.65%	3.11%	2.87%	3.01%	2.40%	1.60%	2.80%	2.68%	2.31%	2.15%	0.13%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.33%	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 GSIE and IEMG in my portfolio?

GSIE and IEMG have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSIE or IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (7.86%) compared to GSIE (3.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSIE dropped -34.63% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, GSIE or IEMG?

On 10-year performance, GSIE leads with 9.39% vs 8.78% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, GSIE has been the lower-risk option at 3.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSIE or IEMG?

Over the 10-year period, GSIE has performed better with a 9.39% return vs 8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSIE or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for GSIE.

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

GSIE has the higher dividend yield at 2.56%, compared with 2.33% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between GSIE and IEMG?

GSIE is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IEMG is Emerging Markets Equities. GSIE tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International 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: 0.25% for GSIE and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 1.17), 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.