SDEM vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SDEM (Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - SDEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Top 50 Dividend while SPEM tracks the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDEM returned 4.84%/yr vs 9.45%/yr for SPEM. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SDEM charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

SDEM vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) 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, SDEM achieves a 10.35% return, which is significantly lower than SPEM's 12.45% return. Over the past 10 years, SDEM has underperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 4.84%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively higher 9.45% annualized return.

SDEM

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: 1.02%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 10.30%
• 1Y: 30.03%
• 3Y*: 19.61%
• 5Y*: 4.14%
• 10Y*: 4.84%

SPEM

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 12.45%
• 6M: 14.11%
• 1Y: 31.35%
• 3Y*: 18.73%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: 9.45%

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

SDEM vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	10.35%	32.01%	4.02%	12.64%	-21.53%	2.11%	-11.13%	17.56%	-17.40%	16.57%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	12.45%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SDEM and SPEM is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 18, 2015	0.80

The correlation between SDEM and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

SDEM vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDEM	SPEM
Financial Services	24.2%	20.2%
Industrials	12.9%	8.5%
Utilities	7.9%	2.8%
Communication Services	5.7%	7.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	3.9%
Technology	5.6%	28.2%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	10.4%
Energy	5.1%	4.7%
Real Estate	3.2%	1.9%
Healthcare	2.0%	4.0%
Basic Materials	1.2%	8.2%

Return for Risk

SDEM vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDEM

SDEM Risk / Return Rank: 65
SDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 57
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

SDEM vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) 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.

	SDEM	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	1.98	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	2.73	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.36	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.34	2.77	+0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.64	10.14	+1.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SDEM vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDEM 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SDEM	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.22	1.98	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.33	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.25	0.50	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.23	-0.05

Drawdowns

SDEM vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDEM drawdown since its inception was -47.38%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDEM and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDEM	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.38%	-64.41%	+17.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.03%	-11.36%	+2.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.34%	-17.62%	+5.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.70%	-31.88%	-4.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.38%	-36.06%	-11.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.20%	-1.40%	-2.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.71%	-14.75%	-5.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	3.10%	-0.51%

Volatility

SDEM vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) is 4.90%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 5.69%. This indicates that SDEM 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

	SDEM	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	5.69%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	13.29%	-2.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.57%	15.92%	-2.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.43%	17.13%	+0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.22%	18.80%	+0.42%

SDEM vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDEM has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDEM vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

SDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.42%, more than SPEM's 2.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	5.42%	5.27%	7.28%	7.50%	8.86%	8.14%	6.30%	6.47%	6.55%	5.01%	5.06%	6.14%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.47%	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 SDEM and SPEM in my portfolio?

SDEM and SPEM have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDEM or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (5.69%) compared to SDEM (4.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDEM dropped -47.38% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, SDEM or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, SPEM leads with 9.45% vs 4.84% for SDEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, SDEM has been the lower-risk option at 4.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDEM or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, SPEM has performed better with a 9.45% return vs 4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDEM or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.67% for SDEM.

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

SDEM has the higher dividend yield at 5.42%, compared with 2.47% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between SDEM and SPEM?

SDEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Top 50 Dividend, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.67% for SDEM and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.98), 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.