VEM vs. SPEM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

VEM (Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. VEM is actively managed, while SPEM is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

VEM vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

VEM

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 1.08%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPEM

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 1.99%
• 6M: 8.57%
• YTD: 11.53%
• 1Y: 23.93%
• 3Y*: 17.90%
• 5Y*: 6.28%
• 10Y*: 8.97%

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

VEM vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	8.93%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between VEM and SPEM is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2026	0.93

Return for Risk

VEM vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 51
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 51
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
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.

VEM vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) 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.

	VEM	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.40	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.96	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.26	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.12	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	7.38	—

Drawdowns

VEM vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEM drawdown since its inception was -13.55%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEM and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEM	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.55%	-64.41%	+50.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.36%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.85%	-2.71%	-3.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.08%	-14.69%	+10.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.25%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VEM	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.30%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.92%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.97%	17.13%	+13.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.97%	17.35%	+13.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.97%	18.76%	+12.21%

VEM vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEM vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

VEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than SPEM's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.51%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%
VEM Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	2.02%	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 VEM and SPEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VEM and SPEM 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 ETF is better, VEM or SPEM?

On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEM or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for VEM.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 2.02% for VEM.

What is the main difference between VEM and SPEM?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VEM and 0.07% for SPEM.