iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG)
Portfolio Fit: VEEM
Emerging markets equities have spent most of 2026 outperforming the average U.S. portfolio, and investors hunting for a smarter way to own the asset class now have a new option to evaluate.
Should You Add Emerging Market ETFs to Your Portfolio Now?
Is it time to look beyond the U.S. markets? Improving flows and dollar weakness are putting emerging market ETFs in focus.
IEMG: Invest In AI Through Emerging Markets
IEMG offers diversified, cost-effective exposure to emerging markets and the AI theme at a significant valuation discount to US equities. IEMG's 40% technology weighting, broad diversification across 2,700 stocks, and superior dividend growth position it ahead of VWO and EEM. The ETF's low 0.09% expense ratio and inclusion of small caps enhance long-term return potential while reducing concentration risk.
IEMG: It's Now 40%+ AI-Tech, Book Some Profits (Rating Downgrade)
I downgrade iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) to hold after a 39% YoY surge, citing elevated volatility and tech/AI concentration. IEMG's recent outperformance is driven by South Korean and Taiwanese chip/memory stocks, but its implied volatility now stands at 37%, double that of the S&P 500. The ETF's portfolio is heavily tilted toward Information Technology (over 40%), with a notable increase in growth style exposure and large-cap dominance.
Schwab Ramps Up Competition With 4 New ETF Fee Cuts
On Thursday, June 11, Schwab Asset Management announced that it cut down the expense ratios on four of its existing indexed ETFs. Each of these funds is a longstanding strategy in Schwab's collection, with a significant asset base and compelling track record.
The Korean Linchpin: Why IEMG Is Outperforming VWO YTD
Global market uncertainty, inflation, and higher-for-longer interest rates should be keeping emerging market (EM) performance bottled up, then saved for another day. However, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index is leaving the MSCI World Index in the dust, outperforming it by about 15% year-to-date (YTD).
IEMG: Surprising Resilience In The Face Of Macro Headwinds
I revisit iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG), upgrading my rating from Sell to Hold after strong 39% total return since May 2023. IEMG's performance is driven by heavy tech exposure, with TSM, Samsung, and SK Hynix comprising over 20% of assets and benefiting from AI tailwinds. Despite recent outperformance, IEMG remains highly concentrated in Asia (78%), especially Taiwan and China, amplifying regional and sector risks.
Outperformance Was Elusive For Active Managers in 2025
Almost 1,000 active ETFs launched in 2025, but did their performance substantiate the demand? Across the universe of funds, active managers for ETFs and mutual funds found that outperformance was elusive compared to their passive peers based on the latest Morningstar US Active/Passive Barometer report.
IEMG vs. SPGM: How These Popular Global ETFs Stack Up for Investors
IEMG has delivered a much stronger one-year total return and offers a higher dividend yield than SPGM. SPGM remains more diversified across developed and emerging markets, while IEMG focuses only on emerging economies.
IEMG vs. IXUS: Should You Bet on Emerging Markets or Diversify With Total International Stocks?
IEMG has delivered a higher 1-year total return but comes with a deeper 5-year drawdown versus IXUS. IXUS covers a broader international universe, while IEMG focuses exclusively on emerging markets with heavier tech exposure.
IEMG: A Emerging Markets ETF For Semiconductor And U.S. Dollar Debasement Trades
IEMG has significantly outperformed the major broad U.S. indexes over the past year, validating its role as a key U.S. dollar debasement trade. The ETF's 17.7% allocation to leading AI-driven semiconductor firms - TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix - has been a key performance driver. A weakening U.S. dollar and ongoing global macro trade shifts underscore the need for Americans to have adequate international equity exposure as portfolio insurance.
IEMG Is Widely Held, But Is It Still A Buy After 34% Run?
The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:IEMG) delivered a 34% return over the past year, crushing the S&P 500's 18% gain and drawing billions in fresh capital.
