VGSIX vs. SPEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VGSIX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both funds - VGSIX is a REIT fund managed by Vanguard, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging BMI Index. Over the past 10 years, VGSIX returned 4.46%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for SPEM. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VGSIX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSIX) 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, VGSIX achieves a 12.11% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 9.96% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSIX has underperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 4.46%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively higher 8.59% annualized return.

VGSIX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -0.35%
• 6M: 10.71%
• YTD: 12.11%
• 1Y: 12.52%
• 3Y*: 7.93%
• 5Y*: 1.84%
• 10Y*: 4.46%

SPEM

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -1.22%
• 6M: 5.04%
• YTD: 9.96%
• 1Y: 22.24%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 5.89%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

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

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGSIX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund	12.11%	2.04%	2.67%	12.97%	-26.29%	40.18%	-4.87%	28.74%	-6.14%	4.80%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	9.96%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSIX and SPEM is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2007	0.50

Over the past year, the correlation between VGSIX and SPEM has dropped to 0.21 - well below their long-term average of 0.50, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VGSIX vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSIX

VGSIX Risk / Return Rank: 22
VGSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VGSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VGSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VGSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VGSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 47
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSIX) 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.

	VGSIX	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.90	1.30	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	1.82	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.24	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	1.97	-0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.71	6.83	-2.12

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.90, which is lower than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSIX 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

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSIX drawdown since its inception was -73.13%, which is greater than SPEM's maximum drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSIX and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSIX	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.13%	-64.41%	-8.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-11.36%	+3.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.62%	-17.62%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.58%	-30.03%	-4.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.35%	-36.06%	-6.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.21%	-4.08%	+1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.84%	-14.69%	+2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	3.26%	-0.60%

Volatility

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSIX) is 4.96%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.46%. This indicates that VGSIX 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

	VGSIX	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.96%	6.46%	-1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.66%	15.05%	-4.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.94%	17.28%	-3.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.98%	17.38%	+1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.89%	18.76%	+2.13%

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSIX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGSIX vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

VGSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.43%, more than SPEM's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.55%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%
VGSIX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund	3.43%	2.76%	2.83%	3.77%	3.75%	2.43%	3.78%	3.24%	4.59%	4.09%	4.67%	3.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGSIX and SPEM in my portfolio?

VGSIX and SPEM have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSIX or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.46%) compared to VGSIX (4.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSIX dropped -73.13% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 0.90), 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.