SPEM vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI, while AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SPEM returned 6.41%/yr vs 18.56%/yr for AAAU. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SPEM charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

SPEM vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPEM achieves a 13.59% return, which is significantly higher than AAAU's 0.14% return.

SPEM

• 1D: 2.03%
• 1M: 4.58%
• YTD: 13.59%
• 6M: 15.58%
• 1Y: 30.33%
• 3Y*: 17.55%
• 5Y*: 6.41%
• 10Y*: 9.78%

AAAU

• 1D: 2.60%
• 1M: -4.95%
• YTD: 0.14%
• 6M: 0.28%
• 1Y: 25.66%
• 3Y*: 30.02%
• 5Y*: 18.56%
• 10Y*: —

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

SPEM vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	13.59%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-6.65%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.14%	64.06%	26.91%	12.96%	-0.50%	-4.01%	25.02%	18.17%	8.28%

Correlation

The correlation between SPEM and AAAU is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2018	0.23

The correlation between SPEM and AAAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.23 (all time) to 0.38 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SPEM vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 60
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 59

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 27
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 31
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

SPEM vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). 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.

	SPEM	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	0.95	+0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	1.32	+1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.20	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	1.06	+1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.60	3.02	+6.58

SPEM vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is higher than the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPEM and AAAU, 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

SPEM vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPEM drawdown since its inception was -64.41%, which is greater than AAAU's maximum drawdown of -24.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPEM and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPEM	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.41%	-24.38%	-40.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-24.38%	+13.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.62%	-24.38%	+6.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.75%	-24.38%	-7.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.06%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-19.92%	+19.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.73%	-6.24%	-8.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	8.54%	-5.37%

Volatility

SPEM vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) is 7.16%, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has a volatility of 8.35%. This indicates that SPEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AAAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPEM	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	8.35%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.34%	23.99%	-9.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	27.22%	-10.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	18.10%	-0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.85%	17.15%	+1.70%

SPEM vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPEM has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than AAAU's 0.18% 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

SPEM vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

SPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.44%, while AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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	2.44%	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 SPEM and AAAU in my portfolio?

SPEM and AAAU have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPEM or AAAU?

AAAU has higher volatility (8.35%) compared to SPEM (7.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPEM dropped -64.41% vs AAAU's -24.38%.

Which ETF is better, SPEM or AAAU?

On 5-year performance, AAAU leads with 18.56% vs 6.41% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, SPEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPEM or AAAU?

Over the 5-year period, AAAU has performed better with a 18.56% return vs 6.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPEM or AAAU?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for AAAU.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.44%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between SPEM and AAAU?

SPEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while AAAU is Gold. SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI, while AAAU tracks LBMA Gold PM Price. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SPEM and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 0.95), 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.