IEMG vs. URNM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and URNM (Sprott Uranium Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while URNM is a Uranium fund tracking the VettaFi Global Uranium Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IEMG returned 7.15%/yr vs 12.61%/yr for URNM. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IEMG charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for URNM.

Performance

IEMG vs. URNM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM). 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 URNM's -0.56% 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%

URNM

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -9.26%
• YTD: -0.56%
• 6M: -0.53%
• 1Y: 30.38%
• 3Y*: 20.14%
• 5Y*: 12.61%
• 10Y*: —

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

IEMG vs. URNM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	22.84%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	8.10%
URNM Sprott Uranium Miners ETF	-0.56%	40.78%	-14.13%	57.80%	-11.86%	78.32%	68.36%	4.05%

Correlation

The correlation between IEMG and URNM is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.49

IEMG vs. URNM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IEMG	URNM
Technology	42.1%	-
Financial Services	16.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	-
Industrials	8.0%	-
Basic Materials	6.3%	2.3%
Communication Services	5.6%	-
Energy	3.3%	97.7%
Healthcare	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	-
Utilities	1.9%	-
Real Estate	1.6%	-

Return for Risk

IEMG vs. URNM — 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

URNM

URNM Risk / Return Rank: 22
URNM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
URNM Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
URNM Omega Ratio Rank: 23
URNM Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
URNM Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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. URNM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM). 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	URNM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	0.60	+1.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	1.18	+1.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.14	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	0.82	+2.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.89	2.00	+9.89

IEMG vs. URNM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IEMG Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the URNM Sharpe Ratio of 0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IEMG and URNM, 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. URNM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IEMG drawdown since its inception was -38.71%, smaller than the maximum URNM drawdown of -50.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEMG and URNM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IEMG	URNM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.71%	-50.78%	+12.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.21%	-38.72%	+25.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.21%	-50.78%	+33.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.75%	-50.78%	+15.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.98%	-35.02%	+31.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.95%	-18.09%	+5.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.59%	15.78%	-12.19%

Volatility

IEMG vs. URNM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) is 10.60%, while Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM) has a volatility of 17.40%. This indicates that IEMG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than URNM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IEMG	URNM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.60%	17.40%	-6.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.89%	41.84%	-22.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.08%	52.48%	-31.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.73%	48.58%	-29.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.17%	47.04%	-26.87%

IEMG vs. URNM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IEMG has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than URNM's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

IEMG vs. URNM - Dividend Comparison

IEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.24%, less than URNM's 3.19% 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%
URNM Sprott Uranium Miners ETF	3.19%	3.18%	3.18%	3.63%	0.00%	6.70%	2.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IEMG and URNM in my portfolio?

IEMG and URNM have a correlation of 0.48, 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 URNM?

URNM has higher volatility (17.40%) compared to IEMG (10.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEMG dropped -38.71% vs URNM's -50.78%.

Which ETF is better, IEMG or URNM?

On 5-year performance, URNM leads with 12.61% vs 7.15% 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 URNM?

Over the 5-year period, URNM has performed better with a 12.61% return vs 7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IEMG or URNM?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for URNM.

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

URNM has the higher dividend yield at 3.19%, compared with 2.24% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between IEMG and URNM?

IEMG is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while URNM is Uranium. IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while URNM tracks VettaFi Global Uranium Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IEMG and 0.85% for URNM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 0.60), 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.