SPEM vs. TDEC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) and TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI, while TDEC is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SPEM returned 31.35% vs 24.15% for TDEC. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPEM charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TDEC.

Performance

SPEM vs. TDEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPEM achieves a 12.45% return, which is significantly higher than TDEC's 9.14% return.

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%

TDEC

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 1.54%
• YTD: 9.14%
• 6M: 11.08%
• 1Y: 24.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SPEM vs. TDEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	12.45%	25.63%	-1.08%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	9.14%	21.39%	-0.70%

Correlation

The correlation between SPEM and TDEC is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 24, 2024	0.93

The correlation between SPEM and TDEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPEM vs. TDEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 74
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 87
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. TDEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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.

	SPEM	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.41	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.34	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.54	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	2.97	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.14	13.07	-2.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPEM vs. TDEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the TDEC Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPEM and TDEC, 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

	SPEM	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	2.41	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	1.81	-1.57

Drawdowns

SPEM vs. TDEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPEM drawdown since its inception was -64.41%, which is greater than TDEC's maximum drawdown of -10.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPEM and TDEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPEM	TDEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.41%	-10.30%	-54.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-8.16%	-3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.88%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.06%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-0.33%	-1.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.75%	-1.04%	-13.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	1.85%	+1.25%

Volatility

SPEM vs. TDEC - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a higher volatility of 5.69% compared to FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) at 2.81%. This indicates that SPEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TDEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPEM	TDEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.69%	2.81%	+2.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.29%	9.02%	+4.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.92%	10.09%	+5.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.13%	11.75%	+5.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.80%	11.75%	+7.05%

SPEM vs. TDEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPEM has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than TDEC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPEM vs. TDEC - Dividend Comparison

SPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.47%, while TDEC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPEM and TDEC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, SPEM and TDEC 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, SPEM or TDEC?

SPEM has higher volatility (5.69%) compared to TDEC (2.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPEM dropped -64.41% vs TDEC's -10.30%.

Which ETF is better, SPEM or TDEC?

On 1-year performance, SPEM leads with 31.35% vs 24.15% for TDEC. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, TDEC has been the lower-risk option at 2.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPEM or TDEC?

Over the 1-year period, SPEM has performed better with a 31.35% return vs 24.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPEM or TDEC?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.47%, compared with 0.00% for TDEC.

What is the main difference between SPEM and TDEC?

SPEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while TDEC is Defined Outcome. SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI, while TDEC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets. They also come from different issuers: State Street and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SPEM and 0.95% for TDEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 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.