JEMA vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

JEMA (JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. JEMA is actively managed, while SPEM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JEMA returned 6.79%/yr vs 5.70%/yr for SPEM. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. JEMA charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

JEMA vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) 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, JEMA achieves a 27.73% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 11.15% return.

JEMA

• 1D: -5.53%
• 1M: 3.01%
• YTD: 27.73%
• 6M: 28.60%
• 1Y: 54.31%
• 3Y*: 23.52%
• 5Y*: 6.79%
• 10Y*: —

SPEM

• 1D: -3.05%
• 1M: 1.24%
• YTD: 11.15%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 28.20%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: 9.62%

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

JEMA vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
JEMA JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	27.73%	34.89%	5.68%	9.82%	-24.98%	-4.72%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.15%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	-2.54%

Correlation

The correlation between JEMA and SPEM is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2021	0.96

The correlation between JEMA and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

JEMA vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JEMA	SPEM
Technology	46.7%	32.1%
Financial Services	19.2%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	9.6%
Industrials	7.3%	8.3%
Communication Services	6.3%	6.7%
Basic Materials	3.4%	8.0%
Energy	3.3%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	3.6%
Healthcare	1.4%	3.7%
Utilities	1.2%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.8%

Return for Risk

JEMA vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

JEMA

JEMA Risk / Return Rank: 80
JEMA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
JEMA Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
JEMA Omega Ratio Rank: 81
JEMA Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
JEMA Martin Ratio Rank: 84

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 51
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 51
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

JEMA vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) 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.

	JEMA	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	1.66	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	2.28	+0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.31	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.16	2.49	+1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.18	8.92	+7.26

JEMA vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JEMA Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JEMA 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

JEMA vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JEMA drawdown since its inception was -39.50%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JEMA and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	JEMA	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.50%	-64.41%	+24.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-11.36%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.11%	-17.62%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.39%	-31.75%	-7.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.53%	-3.05%	-2.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.90%	-14.72%	-2.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.37%	3.17%	+0.20%

Volatility

JEMA vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) has a higher volatility of 12.49% compared to SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) at 7.51%. This indicates that JEMA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JEMA	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.49%	7.51%	+4.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.77%	14.76%	+6.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.96%	17.03%	+5.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.65%	17.35%	+2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.43%	18.80%	+0.63%

JEMA vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

JEMA has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

JEMA vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

JEMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, less than SPEM's 2.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JEMA JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.29%	2.93%	2.44%	2.95%	2.69%	1.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.52%	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 JEMA and SPEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, JEMA and SPEM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, JEMA or SPEM?

JEMA has higher volatility (12.49%) compared to SPEM (7.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JEMA dropped -39.50% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, JEMA or SPEM?

On 5-year performance, JEMA leads with 6.79% vs 5.70% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, SPEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JEMA or SPEM?

Over the 5-year period, JEMA has performed better with a 6.79% return vs 5.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JEMA or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for JEMA.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.52%, compared with 2.29% for JEMA.

What is the main difference between JEMA and SPEM?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for JEMA and 0.07% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JEMA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 1.66), 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.