IVV vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IVV (iShares Core S&P 500 ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVV is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IVV returned 15.47%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVV charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

IVV vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVV achieves a 9.08% return, which is significantly lower than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, IVV has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 15.47%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

IVV

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.85%
• YTD: 9.08%
• 6M: 9.43%
• 1Y: 25.77%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 13.42%
• 10Y*: 15.47%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

IVV vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	9.08%	17.85%	24.93%	26.31%	-18.16%	28.76%	18.40%	31.07%	-4.49%	21.75%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between IVV and SPEM is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2007	0.73

The correlation between IVV and SPEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (5 years) to 0.76 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IVV vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVV	SPEM
Technology	39.0%	32.1%
Financial Services	11.1%	19.2%
Communication Services	10.6%	6.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	9.6%
Healthcare	8.3%	3.7%
Industrials	7.8%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	3.6%
Energy	3.1%	4.2%
Utilities	2.1%	2.8%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.7%	8.0%

Return for Risk

IVV vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVV

IVV Risk / Return Rank: 70
IVV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IVV Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IVV Omega Ratio Rank: 71
IVV Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
IVV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

IVV vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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.

	IVV	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.55	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.16	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.29	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	2.28	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.43	8.16	+4.27

IVV vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVV Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVV and SPEM, 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

IVV vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVV drawdown since its inception was -55.25%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVV and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVV	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.25%	-64.41%	+9.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-11.36%	+2.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.75%	-17.62%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.53%	-31.75%	+7.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.90%	-36.06%	+2.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.35%	-2.40%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.77%	-14.73%	+3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	3.17%	-1.20%

Volatility

IVV vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is 4.37%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.87%. This indicates that IVV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVV	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.37%	6.87%	-2.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.59%	14.21%	-4.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.28%	16.67%	-4.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.95%	17.26%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.08%	18.83%	-0.75%

IVV vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVV has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SPEM's 0.11% 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

IVV vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

IVV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	1.08%	1.17%	1.30%	1.44%	1.66%	1.20%	1.57%	1.85%	2.21%	1.75%	2.01%	2.27%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVV and SPEM in my portfolio?

IVV and SPEM have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVV or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to IVV (4.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVV dropped -55.25% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, IVV or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, IVV leads with 15.47% vs 9.63% for SPEM. On fees, IVV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IVV has been the lower-risk option at 4.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVV or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, IVV has performed better with a 15.47% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVV or SPEM?

IVV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.11% for SPEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVV or SPEM?

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 1.08% for IVV.

What is the main difference between IVV and SPEM?

IVV is categorized as S&P 500, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. IVV tracks S&P 500 Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for IVV and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.55), 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.