IEMG vs. SPY
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY).
IEMG and SPY are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. IEMG is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index. It was launched on Oct 18, 2012. SPY is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index. It was launched on Jan 22, 1993. Both IEMG and SPY are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: IEMG or SPY.
Key characteristics
| IEMG | SPY | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -0.10% | 5.46% |
| 1Y Return | 7.59% | 22.99% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -6.00% | 7.85% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 1.95% | 13.16% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 2.91% | 12.40% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.46 | 1.97 |
| Daily Std Dev | 14.35% | 11.75% |
| Max Drawdown | -38.72% | -55.19% |
| Current Drawdown | -20.88% | -4.48% |
Correlation
The correlation between IEMG and SPY is 0.70, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
IEMG vs. SPY - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, IEMG achieves a -0.10% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 5.46% return. Over the past 10 years, IEMG has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 2.91%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 12.40% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
IEMG vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison
IEMG has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY'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%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
IEMG vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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.
Dividends
IEMG vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison
IEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.89%, more than SPY's 1.35% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 2.89% | 2.89% | 2.71% | 3.06% | 1.87% | 3.14% | 2.74% | 2.33% | 2.26% | 2.51% | 2.29% | 1.75% |
SPY SPDR S&P 500 ETF | 1.35% | 1.40% | 1.65% | 1.20% | 1.52% | 1.75% | 2.04% | 1.80% | 2.03% | 2.06% | 1.87% | 1.81% |
Drawdowns
IEMG vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IEMG drawdown since its inception was -38.72%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEMG and SPY. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
IEMG vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a higher volatility of 3.62% compared to SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 3.26%. This indicates that IEMG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.