SPEM ETF: What Is It? Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs
The SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) tracks the S&P Emerging BMI Index, diversifying broadly from large caps to small caps, with a low expense ratio and dividends as its strengths. Differences in the underlying index and fees versus IEMG and VWO are the key selection criteria.
SubscribeWhat Is the SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF?
It is a core ETF that tracks the S&P Emerging BMI Index and invests broadly in companies listed in emerging countries. It holds stocks from large caps to small caps on a market-cap-weighted basis, following the overall movement of emerging markets.
It suits long-term core-asset investors who want low-cost diversification across the emerging market universe.
It is a passive (index-tracking) ETF managed by State Street.
How Do You Invest in the SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | S&P Emerging BMI |
| Management Style | Passive (index-tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Quarterly |
| Dividend Frequency | Semiannual |
| Issuer | State Street |
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% |
The fund holds companies listed in emerging countries broadly in proportion to their market capitalization, tracking the performance of emerging markets as a whole. With a broadly diversified structure that includes large-, mid- and small-cap stocks, rebalancing is applied quarterly according to the index rules.
- Broad diversification spanning large caps to small caps
- Part of a low-cost core lineup
SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Expense Ratio)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $16.5B, and the expense ratio is 0.07% per year.
It differs from IEMG and VWO, which are in the same emerging market category, in fees and the underlying index, while liquidity favors the larger ETFs in the category.
SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeBecause it moves with emerging markets as a whole, it is sensitive to global risk appetite, dollar strength and China's economy, and it tends to be more volatile than developed markets. Short-term swings are also affected by exchange rates and commodity prices.
Fund flows vary with demand to adjust emerging market weightings in global asset allocation, and money tends to flow into emerging market ETFs when risk appetite strengthens. As a low-cost core product, it also draws a certain amount of long-term holding demand.
SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF Pros and Cons
Low fees and broad diversification are its strengths, while the volatility and currency exposure typical of emerging markets are the main drawbacks.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
The IEMG, VWO and EEM shown in the table are representative ETFs in the same emerging market category, and they differ in underlying index (MSCI vs FTSE), fees and liquidity. Investors who also want broad emerging market exposure that includes Korea can consider Schwab's SCHE, and those who want to focus on emerging markets excluding China can look at variants such as EMXC.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $75.26 | -0.6% | $148.5B | 0.09% | 2.39% | +10.6% |
 VWO | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | $56.50 | -0.6% | $120.0B | 0.06% | 2.15% | +2.4% |
 EEM | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $61.82 | -0.3% | $28.7B | 0.72% | 1.8% | +12.2% |
 AVEM | Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF | $87.09 | -0.5% | $26.9B | 0.33% | 2.76% | +12.8% |
 EMXC | IShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF | $91.23 | -0.5% | $25.8B | 0.25% | 2.11% | +27.4% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSM | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ADR | 0.27% | $424.37 | +1.4% | $2.20T | 27.3 | 0.97% |
| BABA | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd ADR | 0.04% | $100.25 | +0.6% | $249.4B | 23.6 | 1.11% |
 MYMK | State Street My2031 Municipal Bond ETF | 0.04% | $24.62 | +0.2% | $0.0M | - | 2.62% |
 RLI | RLI Corp | 0.01% | $64.90 | +0.1% | $6.0B | 15.1 | 5.7% |
| HDB | HDFC Bank Ltd ADR | 0.02% | $21.71 | -1.7% | $111.6B | 12.9 | 1.97% |
| ASX | ASE Technology Holding CoLtd ADR | 0.01% | $39.91 | +3.1% | $87.8B | 46.7 | 1.56% |
SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in SPEM. It offers easy emerging market exposure as a low-cost core asset, but it is wise to check in advance the volatility and currency exposure typical of emerging markets, as well as concentration in specific countries, before buying.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the cumulative cost impact over a long holding period | Low level |
| 🌏 Tracked Index | Check the differences from MSCI and FTSE family indexes | S&P Emerging BMI |
| 💱 Exchange Rate | Impact of dollar and emerging market currency fluctuations | Not currency-hedged |
| 📊 Country Concentration | Check trends in the weightings of major emerging countries | Needs checking |
Policy and currency risks specific to emerging markets, along with exchange rate swings, are the main drivers of short-term volatility. In global risk-off phases, declines can be steeper than in developed markets.
It is a core option suited to long-term investors who want low-cost diversification across emerging markets. Comparing it with IEMG, VWO and others on the basis of the underlying index and fee differences is recommended when choosing.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 21, 2026.
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