VEA vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEA returned 10.72%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

VEA vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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, VEA achieves a 14.73% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, VEA has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 10.72%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

VEA

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 31.41%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

VEA vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.73%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and SPEM is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.81

The correlation between VEA and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEA vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	SPEM
Financial Services	23.3%	19.2%
Industrials	19.2%	8.3%
Technology	13.8%	32.1%
Healthcare	8.2%	3.7%
Basic Materials	7.5%	8.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	9.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	3.6%
Energy	5.4%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.4%	6.7%
Utilities	3.3%	2.8%
Real Estate	2.7%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VEA vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 62
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

VEA vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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.

	VEA	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.55	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.16	+0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.29	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.28	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.92	8.16	+1.76

VEA vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA 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.

Drawdowns

VEA vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-64.41%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-11.36%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-17.62%	+4.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-31.75%	+2.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-36.06%	+0.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-2.40%	+1.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.28%	-14.73%	+1.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	3.17%	-0.15%

Volatility

VEA vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) have volatilities of 6.84% and 6.87%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEA	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.84%	6.87%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.38%	14.21%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.58%	16.67%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	17.26%	-0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	18.83%	-1.43%

VEA vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SPEM's 0.11% 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

VEA vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, more than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEA and SPEM in my portfolio?

VEA and SPEM have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEA or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to VEA (6.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.72% vs 9.63% for SPEM. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.72% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or SPEM?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.11% for SPEM.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.49% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between VEA and SPEM?

VEA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.55), 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.