KPHO vs. SPEM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

KPHO (KraneShares Dragon Capital Vietnam Growth Index ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - KPHO tracks the Dragon Capital Merqube Vietnam Growth Index while SPEM tracks the S&P Emerging BMI Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KPHO charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

KPHO vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares Dragon Capital Vietnam Growth Index ETF (KPHO) 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, KPHO achieves a -9.36% return, which is significantly lower than SPEM's 10.11% return.

KPHO

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -4.59%
• 6M: -12.57%
• YTD: -9.36%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPEM

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -1.94%
• 6M: 5.25%
• YTD: 10.11%
• 1Y: 21.02%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 8.51%

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

KPHO vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KPHO KraneShares Dragon Capital Vietnam Growth Index ETF	-9.36%	9.46%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	10.11%	1.47%

Correlation

The correlation between KPHO and SPEM is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

KPHO vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

KPHO

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 43
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 41
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

KPHO vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares Dragon Capital Vietnam Growth Index ETF (KPHO) 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.

	KPHO	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.22	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.72	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.23	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.86	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.42	—

Drawdowns

KPHO vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KPHO drawdown since its inception was -14.37%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KPHO and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	KPHO	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.37%	-64.41%	+50.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.36%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.37%	-3.95%	-10.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.83%	-14.68%	+7.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.28%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KPHO	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.73%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	15.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.87%	17.30%	+9.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.87%	17.39%	+9.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.87%	18.76%	+8.11%

KPHO vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

KPHO has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

KPHO vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

KPHO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.47%, more than SPEM's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KPHO KraneShares Dragon Capital Vietnam Growth Index ETF	11.47%	10.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.55%	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 KPHO and SPEM in my portfolio?

KPHO and SPEM have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KPHO or SPEM?

On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, KPHO or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for KPHO.

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

KPHO has the higher dividend yield at 11.47%, compared with 2.55% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between KPHO and SPEM?

KPHO tracks Dragon Capital Merqube Vietnam Growth Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 1.03% for KPHO and 0.07% for SPEM.