IEMG vs. URA

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and URA (Global X Uranium ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while URA is a Uranium fund tracking the Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IEMG returned 10.42%/yr vs 15.90%/yr for URA. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IEMG charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for URA.

Performance

IEMG vs. URA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and Global X Uranium ETF (URA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IEMG achieves a 22.84% return, which is significantly higher than URA's 6.53% return. Over the past 10 years, IEMG has underperformed URA with an annualized return of 10.42%, while URA has yielded a comparatively higher 15.90% annualized return.

IEMG

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 3.87%
• YTD: 22.84%
• 6M: 25.59%
• 1Y: 44.83%
• 3Y*: 21.33%
• 5Y*: 7.15%
• 10Y*: 10.42%

URA

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -8.83%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 6M: 3.57%
• 1Y: 32.00%
• 3Y*: 32.17%
• 5Y*: 18.77%
• 10Y*: 15.90%

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

IEMG vs. URA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	22.84%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%
URA Global X Uranium ETF	6.53%	67.18%	-0.58%	46.25%	-11.32%	57.57%	41.33%	-3.54%	-22.11%	19.36%

Correlation

The correlation between IEMG and URA is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2012	0.53

The correlation between IEMG and URA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

IEMG vs. URA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IEMG	URA
Technology	42.1%	0.9%
Financial Services	16.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	-
Industrials	8.0%	22.7%
Basic Materials	6.3%	4.8%
Communication Services	5.6%	-
Energy	3.3%	64.2%
Healthcare	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	-
Utilities	1.9%	7.4%
Real Estate	1.6%	-

Return for Risk

IEMG vs. URA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 73
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 76
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 73

URA

URA Risk / Return Rank: 23
URA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
URA Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
URA Omega Ratio Rank: 23
URA Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
URA Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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. URA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and Global X Uranium ETF (URA). 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	URA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	0.64	+1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	1.21	+1.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.14	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	1.04	+2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.89	2.30	+9.58

IEMG vs. URA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEMG Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the URA Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEMG and URA, 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. URA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEMG drawdown since its inception was -38.71%, smaller than the maximum URA drawdown of -93.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEMG and URA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEMG	URA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.71%	-93.54%	+54.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.21%	-31.48%	+18.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.21%	-37.81%	+20.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.75%	-37.90%	+2.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.71%	-61.45%	+22.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.98%	-48.34%	+44.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.95%	-74.94%	+61.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.59%	14.12%	-10.53%

Volatility

IEMG vs. URA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) is 10.60%, while Global X Uranium ETF (URA) has a volatility of 17.69%. This indicates that IEMG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than URA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IEMG	URA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.60%	17.69%	-7.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.89%	39.95%	-21.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.08%	51.24%	-30.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.73%	43.96%	-25.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.17%	37.91%	-17.74%

IEMG vs. URA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEMG has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than URA's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

IEMG vs. URA - Dividend Comparison

IEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.24%, less than URA's 4.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.24%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%
URA Global X Uranium ETF	4.58%	4.88%	2.86%	6.07%	0.76%	5.84%	1.69%	1.66%	0.44%	2.03%	7.28%	1.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IEMG and URA in my portfolio?

IEMG and URA have a correlation of 0.57, 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 URA?

URA has higher volatility (17.69%) compared to IEMG (10.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEMG dropped -38.71% vs URA's -93.54%.

Which ETF is better, IEMG or URA?

On 10-year performance, URA leads with 15.90% vs 10.42% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IEMG has been the lower-risk option at 10.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IEMG or URA?

Over the 10-year period, URA has performed better with a 15.90% return vs 10.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEMG or URA?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for URA.

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

URA has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 2.24% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between IEMG and URA?

IEMG is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while URA is Uranium. IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while URA tracks Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IEMG and 0.69% for URA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 0.64), 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.