IEMG vs EEM: The Difference? (Quick Guide)
LAST UPDATED: April 29, 2023 | By Conrad Golly
When it comes to investing in emerging markets, there are a variety of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to choose from. Two of the most popular options are IEMG and EEM. While both ETFs offer exposure to emerging markets, there are some key differences between the two that investors should be aware of before making a decision between IEMG vs EEM.
First, let’s take a closer look at IEMG. This ETF tracks the more expansive Investable Market Index (IMI) version of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. As a result, IEMG holds many more mid-cap and small-cap stocks than EEM. IEMG has a lower expense ratio than EEM, which can be an important factor for investors looking to minimize costs.
However, it’s worth noting that IEMG may have slightly lower liquidity than EEM due to its smaller market cap exposure.
On the other hand, EEM is a large-cap vehicle that tracks the large- and mid-cap MSCI Emerging Markets Index. While it may not offer the same level of diversification as IEMG, EEM may be a better option for investors looking to focus on larger, more established companies in emerging markets.
EEM has a longer track record than IEMG, having been launched in 2003 compared to IEMG’s launch in 2012.
What is IEMG vs EEM?
As someone interested in investing, I have come across the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) and the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG).
Both of these are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that allow investors to gain exposure to emerging market equities. But what exactly are these ETFs and how do they differ?
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM)
EEM is an ETF that seeks to track the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. This index is designed to measure the performance of large and mid-cap stocks in emerging market countries.
EEM was launched in 2003 and has since become one of the most popular ETFs for gaining exposure to emerging markets.
EEM has a total net asset value of over $25 billion and is comprised of over 1,100 holdings. The ETF has a relatively high expense ratio of 0.69%, which means that investors will pay $6.90 in fees for every $1,000 invested in the fund.
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG)
IEMG, on the other hand, is an ETF that seeks to track the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index. This index is designed to measure the performance of large, mid, and small-cap stocks in emerging market countries.
IEMG was launched in 2012 and has quickly gained popularity among investors.
IEMG has a total net asset value of over $80 billion and is comprised of over 2,800 holdings. The ETF has a lower expense ratio than EEM, at 0.11%, which means that investors will pay $1.10 in fees for every $1,000 invested in the fund.
Key Differences IEMG vs EEM
The main difference between EEM and IEMG is the underlying index that they track. EEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which only includes large and mid-cap stocks.
IEMG, on the other hand, tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index, which includes small-cap stocks as well.
Another difference between the two ETFs is their expense ratios. IEMG has a lower expense ratio than EEM, which means that investors will pay less in fees for every dollar invested in the fund.
Both EEM and IEMG are popular ETFs for gaining exposure to emerging market equities. However, investors should consider their investment goals and risk tolerance when choosing between these two ETFs.
Performance Comparison IEMG vs EEM
When it comes to comparing IEMG and EEM, one of the most important factors to consider is their performance. Looking at their performance over the past year, IEMG has outperformed EEM with a 4.41% return compared to EEM’s 3.93% return.
Over the past 10 years, IEMG has also had a higher annualized return of 2.33%, while EEM has yielded a comparatively lower 1.61% annualized return.
Another aspect to consider is the expense ratio of each ETF. IEMG has a lower expense ratio of 0.11%, while EEM has an expense ratio of 0.68%. This means that IEMG is a more cost-effective investment option for those looking to invest in emerging markets.
In terms of holdings, both ETFs have a similar focus on emerging markets, but there are some differences in their holdings. IEMG tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index, while EEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
This means that IEMG includes small-cap stocks, while EEM does not.
When it comes to investment recommendations, it is important to consider your own investment goals and risk tolerance. However, many financial experts recommend that investors consider both IEMG and EEM as part of a diversified emerging markets portfolio.
Overall, while both IEMG and EEM have their own strengths and weaknesses, it is important to carefully consider their performance, expense ratios, and holdings before making a decision on which one to invest in.
Investing in Emerging Markets IEMG vs EEM
As an investor, I have always been interested in emerging markets. These markets offer unique opportunities for growth and diversification.
However, choosing the right investment vehicle can be challenging. In this section, I will explore the differences between IEMG and EEM and provide some insights into investing in emerging markets.
Understanding the Differences IEMG vs EEM
When it comes to investing in emerging markets, there are two popular exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to choose from – IEMG and EEM. While both ETFs offer exposure to emerging markets, there are some key differences to consider.
Holdings
One of the most significant differences between IEMG and EEM is the number of holdings. IEMG has over 2,500 holdings, while EEM has just over 1,200. This means that IEMG offers more exposure to mid-cap and small-cap companies. On the other hand, EEM focuses more on large-cap companies.
Expense Ratio IEMG vs EEM
Another important factor to consider is the expense ratio. IEMG has a lower expense ratio of 0.11%, while EEM has an expense ratio of 0.68%. This means that IEMG is more cost-effective for investors.
Regional Exposure
It’s also essential to consider the regional exposure of each ETF. Both IEMG and EEM have significant exposure to China, Taiwan, and Korea. However, IEMG has a slightly higher exposure to India, while EEM has a slightly higher exposure to Brazil.
Sector Exposure
When investing in emerging markets, it’s also important to consider sector exposure. Here’s a breakdown of the sector exposure for both IEMG and EEM:
Sector | IEMG | EEM |
---|---|---|
Materials | 6.89% | 8.34% |
Energy | 6.22% | 9.51% |
Real Estate | 0.80% | 0.41% |
Communication | 14.26% | 8.46% |
Industrials | 15.45% | 18.07% |
Healthcare | 3.84% | 3.26% |
Utilities | 2.85% | 1.17% |
As you can see, there are some differences in sector exposure between the two ETFs. IEMG has more exposure to communication and industrials, while EEM has more exposure to energy and materials.
Bottom Line IEMG vs EEM
Investing in emerging markets can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and take advantage of global growth opportunities. When choosing between IEMG and EEM, it’s important to consider factors such as holdings, expense ratio, regional exposure, and sector exposure.
By doing your research and understanding the differences between these two ETFs, you can make an informed investment decision.
Comparing Holdings IEMG vs EEM
When it comes to comparing IEMG and EEM, one of the most important factors to consider is their holdings. As of the current date, both ETFs have a significant number of holdings, with IEMG having over 2,700 and EEM having over 1,200.
Looking at the top holdings of both ETFs, we can see that there is some overlap, but also some notable differences. For example, both ETFs hold shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, Tencent Holdings Ltd, and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.
However, IEMG also holds shares of Meituan, while EEM does not.
It’s worth noting that while both ETFs have exposure to emerging markets, they may have different weightings and allocations within those markets. For example, IEMG has a higher allocation to China than EEM, which may be a factor to consider for investors looking for exposure to that market.
To get a better understanding of the differences in holdings between IEMG and EEM, let’s take a closer look at some of their top holdings.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd
As of the current date, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd is the top holding for both IEMG and EEM. The company is a leading semiconductor manufacturer and has a significant presence in the technology industry.
Tencent Holdings Ltd
Tencent Holdings Ltd is another top holding for both IEMG and EEM. The company is a leading provider of internet services in China, including social media, gaming, and online payments.
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is also a top holding for both ETFs. The company is a leading manufacturer of electronics and has a significant presence in the smartphone and semiconductor markets.
Meituan
Meituan is a top holding for IEMG, but not for EEM. The company is a leading provider of online food delivery and other services in China.
Overall, while both IEMG and EEM have exposure to similar companies and industries, there are some notable differences in their holdings. Investors should consider these differences when deciding which ETF to invest in.
Buying and Selling
When it comes to buying and selling IEMG and EEM, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to understand the differences between these two ETFs in terms of their holdings and performance.
Once you have a good understanding of these differences, you can make a more informed decision about which ETF is right for you.
Buying
If you’re looking to buy IEMG or EEM, you can do so through your brokerage account. Both of these ETFs are widely available and can be purchased through most major brokerage firms.
When buying, it’s important to consider the following:
- Expense Ratio: IEMG has a lower expense ratio than EEM, which means you’ll pay less in fees over time.
- Holdings: IEMG holds more mid-cap and small-cap companies than EEM, which may make it a better choice for investors who want exposure to these types of companies.
- Performance: IEMG has outperformed EEM over the past 10 years, which may make it a more attractive option for investors who are looking for strong returns.
Selling
If you’re looking to sell IEMG or EEM, you can do so through your brokerage account as well.
When selling, it’s important to consider the following:
- Capital Gains: If you’ve held your shares for more than a year, you may be subject to capital gains taxes when you sell. Be sure to consult with a tax professional to understand how this will impact your overall tax liability.
- Market Conditions: The price of IEMG and EEM can fluctuate based on market conditions. If you’re looking to sell, it may be wise to keep an eye on the market and wait for a favorable selling opportunity.
Action
When it comes to taking action with IEMG and EEM, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your investment goals and risk tolerance. If you’re looking for a low-cost ETF with exposure to emerging markets, IEMG may be the right choice for you.
If you’re looking for a more focused ETF with exposure to large-cap companies, EEM may be a better fit.
Products
There are a variety of other ETFs that offer exposure to emerging markets, including VWO and SCHE. These ETFs may be worth considering if you’re looking for additional options. It’s important to do your research and compare the expense ratios, holdings, and performance of each ETF before making a decision.
Fees and Expenses IEMG vs EEM
When comparing IEMG vs EEM, one of the most important factors to consider is the fees and expenses associated with each ETF.
First, let’s take a look at the expense ratio. IEMG has a significantly lower expense ratio than EEM, at 0.09% compared to 0.68%. This means that for every $10,000 invested, IEMG charges only $9 in fees, while EEM charges $68. This is a significant difference and can add up over time, especially for long-term investors.
Another factor to consider is assets under management (AUM). Currently, both IEMG and EEM have a high AUM, with IEMG at $86.8 billion and EEM at $28.5 billion.
However, it’s important to note that AUM can fluctuate over time and may impact the liquidity and trading volume of the ETF.
In addition to the expense ratio, investors should also consider any additional fees associated with buying or selling shares of the ETF. For example, some brokers may charge a commission or transaction fee for buying or selling ETFs. It’s important to factor in these costs when evaluating the overall expenses of each ETF.
When it comes to fees and expenses, IEMG has a clear advantage over EEM.
With a significantly lower expense ratio and a high AUM, IEMG is a more cost-effective option for investors looking to gain exposure to emerging markets.
Issuer IEMG vs EEM
As I compare IEMG vs EEM, one of the key differences that stands out is the issuer. IEMG is issued by BlackRock, Inc., while EEM is issued by iShares by BlackRock, Inc.
While both funds are managed by the same company, it’s important to note that IEMG is part of BlackRock’s iShares Core series, which is designed to provide broad exposure to a particular asset class at a low cost. EEM, on the other hand, is part of iShares’ standard lineup of ETFs.
Another important difference to consider when it comes to issuer is the holdings of each fund. Both IEMG and EEM have exposure to some of the biggest names in emerging markets, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, Samsung, and Alibaba.
However, the exact holdings and weightings of each fund can vary, so it’s important to look at the individual prospectus for each fund to get a better understanding of what you’re investing in.
When it comes to security, both IEMG and EEM are considered to be relatively safe investments.
It’s important to remember that all investments come with some level of risk, and it’s up to each investor to determine their own risk tolerance.
In terms of transaction and liability, both funds are traded on major exchanges and are subject to the same rules and regulations as other ETFs. However, it’s important to note that there can be differences in trading volume and liquidity between the two funds, which can impact your ability to buy and sell shares.
When it comes to services and reliance, both funds are backed by BlackRock, one of the largest and most respected asset managers in the world. This means that investors can generally rely on high-quality service and support when investing in either fund.
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