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.
IEMG: A High Risk/Reward Emerging Markets ETF For American Investors
Driven by a weak U.S. dollar (-10%), the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF outperformed both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 indexes last year (by 18.3% and 16.3%, respectively). The IEMG ETF offers high exposure to emerging markets, especially China and Taiwan, with a strong tilt toward AI-driven semiconductor companies. The fund trades at a 42% P/E discount as compared to the S&P 500 and a 61% discount on a price-to-book basis.
The Cost-Effective IEMG Beats The Legacy Fund EEM On All Grounds
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is rated a buy, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is rated hold. IEMG offers broader diversification, a lower expense ratio (0.09% vs. 0.72%), and better risk-adjusted returns compared to EEM. Despite similar sector and geographic allocations, IEMG includes more holdings and small caps, resulting in higher income and lower volatility than EEM.
IEMG: Another Double-Digit Upside Doable In 2025 For Emerging Markets
IEMG is outperforming the S&P 500 YTD, with a 21% return versus 8%, and I reiterate my buy rating. The ETF offers broad, low-cost emerging market exposure, attractive valuation at 13.7x earnings, and a solid 3%+ dividend yield. Technical momentum is strong, with a recent breakout above $59 and a bullish trend targeting $70 in 2025.
IEMG: There Are Better Options For International Exposure
The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF gives investors access to emerging markets with a portfolio of 2700+ stocks that includes companies from all market capitalizations. While the fund has had brief periods of impressive gains, it has only returned 9.6% in cumulative capital appreciation over the last 10 years. IEMG is heavily weighted in Asian stocks. Stocks from China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea make up almost 75% of the fund's portfolio.
IEMG: Proceed With Caution Amid Uncertainty, Potential Tariffs Under New Trump Administration
IEMG's valuation is fair, but its earnings growth rate is decelerating through 2026, making it less attractive compared to the S&P 500. The fund's lower exposure to the technology sector and potential tariffs from the new Trump administration add to its weaker growth outlook. Currency risk is significant for IEMG, as a strong U.S. dollar negatively impacts its price performance.
IEMG: Looking Ahead To A Bullish 2025 For EM (Rating Upgrade)
I upgrade IEMG from hold to buy due to low valuations, potential dollar weakness, and strong technical indicators. Despite a 19% return, IEMG lags the S&P 500 but may benefit from China's stimulus and India's growth. IEMG offers a low expense ratio, solid dividend yield, and potential foreign tax credit, making it ideal for long-term investors.
Emerging Market ETFs Roar Back to New Heights
Emerging market ETFs soared to a two-and-a-half-year high, driven by new Chinese stimulus, a big Fed rate cut and hopes of further easing, and a weak dollar.
IEMG: The Case For Emerging Markets
The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF tracks small, mid, and large-cap emerging market stocks, primarily in China, India, and Taiwan. The ETF has underperformed the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 2024 and over 3, 5, and 10-year timeframes. This underperformance has resulted in IEMG, offering significantly higher earnings and dividend yields relative to the SPY.
