IEMG vs. SMLV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and SMLV (SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while SMLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IEMG returned 8.77%/yr vs 10.42%/yr for SMLV. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IEMG charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for SMLV.

Performance

IEMG vs. SMLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEMG achieves a 15.78% return, which is significantly lower than SMLV's 22.24% return. Over the past 10 years, IEMG has underperformed SMLV with an annualized return of 8.77%, while SMLV has yielded a comparatively higher 10.42% annualized return.

IEMG

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -9.83%
• 6M: 9.74%
• YTD: 15.78%
• 1Y: 29.70%
• 3Y*: 18.80%
• 5Y*: 6.56%
• 10Y*: 8.77%
• ALL TIME*: 6.08%

SMLV

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 4.61%
• 6M: 15.91%
• YTD: 22.24%
• 1Y: 28.48%
• 3Y*: 17.10%
• 5Y*: 10.21%
• 10Y*: 10.42%
• ALL TIME*: 11.06%

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

IEMG vs. SMLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	15.78%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	22.24%	5.66%	16.77%	7.52%	-7.69%	27.67%	-1.55%	24.10%	-6.62%	5.68%

Correlation

The correlation between IEMG and SMLV is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2013	0.50

The correlation between IEMG and SMLV shifts across timeframes, from 0.36 (1 year) to 0.50 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IEMG vs. SMLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IEMG	SMLV
Technology	43.6%	11.8%
Financial Services	17.3%	30.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	9.0%
Industrials	7.7%	14.3%
Basic Materials	5.8%	3.3%
Communication Services	5.6%	2.3%
Healthcare	3.2%	8.9%
Energy	3.0%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	3.5%
Utilities	1.9%	2.7%
Real Estate	1.5%	11.9%

Return for Risk

IEMG vs. SMLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 53
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SMLV

SMLV Risk / Return Rank: 81
SMLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SMLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
SMLV Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SMLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SMLV 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.

IEMG vs. SMLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV). 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.

	IEMG	SMLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	1.85	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	2.68	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.34	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	3.90	-1.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.35	10.99	-3.64

IEMG vs. SMLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEMG Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is lower than the SMLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEMG and SMLV, 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

IEMG vs. SMLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEMG drawdown since its inception was -38.71%, smaller than the maximum SMLV drawdown of -42.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEMG and SMLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEMG	SMLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.71%	-42.45%	+3.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.21%	-7.34%	-5.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.21%	-20.40%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.61%	-20.40%	-13.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.71%	-42.45%	+3.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.22%	-1.59%	-8.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.90%	-5.41%	-7.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.05%	2.60%	+1.45%

Volatility

IEMG vs. SMLV - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a higher volatility of 9.61% compared to SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) at 3.75%. This indicates that IEMG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IEMG	SMLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.61%	3.75%	+5.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.09%	10.09%	+11.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.06%	15.46%	+7.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.17%	18.23%	+0.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.24%	20.91%	-0.67%

IEMG vs. SMLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEMG has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than SMLV's 0.12% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IEMG vs. SMLV - Dividend Comparison

IEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than SMLV's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SMLV SPDR SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.23%	2.74%	2.68%	2.68%	2.40%	2.12%	2.47%	2.62%	3.15%	7.92%	3.04%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IEMG and SMLV in my portfolio?

IEMG and SMLV have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IEMG or SMLV?

IEMG has higher volatility (9.61%) compared to SMLV (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEMG dropped -38.71% vs SMLV's -42.45%.

Which ETF is better, IEMG or SMLV?

On 10-year performance, SMLV leads with 10.42% vs 8.77% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SMLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IEMG or SMLV?

Over the 10-year period, SMLV has performed better with a 10.42% return vs 8.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEMG or SMLV?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for SMLV.

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

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 2.23% for SMLV.

What is the main difference between IEMG and SMLV?

IEMG is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while SMLV is Volatility Hedged Equity. IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while SMLV tracks SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IEMG and 0.12% for SMLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.30), 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.