QAT vs. SPEM
Compare and contrast key facts about iShares MSCI Qatar ETF (QAT) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM).
QAT and SPEM are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. QAT is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI All Qatar Capped Index. It was launched on Apr 29, 2014. SPEM is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. It was launched on Mar 19, 2007. Both QAT and SPEM are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
QAT vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
QAT vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QAT iShares MSCI Qatar ETF | -1.16% | 8.81% | 5.20% | 2.72% | -7.23% | 14.42% | 6.94% | -0.44% | 20.03% | -11.66% |
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF | 0.21% | 25.63% | 11.40% | 10.51% | -17.90% | 1.51% | 14.55% | 19.69% | -13.26% | 34.82% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, QAT achieves a -1.16% return, which is significantly lower than SPEM's 0.21% return. Over the past 10 years, QAT has underperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 3.21%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively higher 8.16% annualized return.
QAT
- 1D
- 2.22%
- 1M
- -4.42%
- YTD
- -1.16%
- 6M
- -3.61%
- 1Y
- 8.10%
- 3Y*
- 5.46%
- 5Y*
- 3.59%
- 10Y*
- 3.21%
SPEM
- 1D
- 3.17%
- 1M
- -7.13%
- YTD
- 0.21%
- 6M
- 1.89%
- 1Y
- 22.70%
- 3Y*
- 14.39%
- 5Y*
- 4.29%
- 10Y*
- 8.16%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
QAT vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison
QAT has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
QAT vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank
QAT
SPEM
QAT vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Qatar ETF (QAT) 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.
| QAT | SPEM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.62 | 1.28 | -0.67 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.86 | 1.80 | -0.94 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.13 | 1.26 | -0.13 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.82 | 1.82 | -1.00 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.80 | 7.01 | -5.21 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| QAT | SPEM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.62 | 1.28 | -0.67 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.24 | 0.25 | -0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.18 | 0.44 | -0.25 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.07 | 0.21 | -0.14 |
Correlation
The correlation between QAT and SPEM is 0.34, which is considered to be low. This implies their price changes are not closely related. A low correlation is generally favorable for portfolio diversification, as it helps to reduce overall risk by spreading it across multiple assets with different performance patterns.
Dividends
QAT vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison
QAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, more than SPEM's 2.77% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QAT iShares MSCI Qatar ETF | 3.55% | 3.51% | 5.90% | 3.92% | 4.78% | 2.33% | 2.63% | 3.57% | 4.63% | 4.10% | 3.51% | 4.49% |
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF | 2.77% | 2.77% | 2.78% | 2.80% | 3.38% | 3.14% | 1.92% | 2.94% | 2.34% | 1.12% | 1.51% | 2.40% |
Drawdowns
QAT vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QAT drawdown since its inception was -45.21%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QAT and SPEM.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| QAT | SPEM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -45.21% | -64.41% | +19.20% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.60% | -12.35% | +1.75% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -33.17% | -31.94% | -1.23% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -34.04% | -36.06% | +2.02% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -13.45% | -8.56% | -4.89% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -19.29% | -14.87% | -4.42% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.81% | 3.20% | +1.61% |
Volatility
QAT vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares MSCI Qatar ETF (QAT) is 5.05%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 8.25%. This indicates that QAT 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.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| QAT | SPEM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.05% | 8.25% | -3.20% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.07% | 12.23% | -3.16% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.22% | 17.79% | -4.57% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.84% | 16.95% | -2.11% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.60% | 18.76% | -1.16% |