SPEM: Heavy Bet On Emerging Asia Ex. South Korea
SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF tracks the S&P Emerging BMI Index, emphasizing China, Taiwan, and India, with a 0.07% fee. SPEM offers broad exposure with over 3,000 holdings, a 2.5% dividend yield, and trades at 15x earnings and 2x book value. The ETF is overweight dominant Asian emerging markets by about 10 percentage points versus the MSCI EM Index.
SPEM: Emerging Markets Are Shifting: We Can't Ignore It
A clear logic: high nominal yields but low real rates compress the U.S. risk premium, and push capital toward emerging markets. How will SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF react? I believe SPEM could benefit from this trend, given its strong exposure to China, India, and Taiwan (72.35%). That's because SPEM is positively correlated with EM currencies, and negatively with the U.S. dollar (DXY).
SPEM: High Risk, Weak Growth, And Less Compelling Opportunities
SPEM's high exposure to China and its economic challenges, along with potential Trump administration tariffs, create significant risks for the fund's performance. Despite a positive 2024, SPEM underperformed the S&P 500, delivering lower returns since inception and exhibiting higher downside risk. The Federal Reserve's likely pause on rate cuts and a stronger U.S. dollar will further pressure SPEM's fund price.
SPEM: Here Comes China
SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF is a low-cost ETF with exposure to high-potential micro-cap companies in emerging markets. The Fund has benefited in recent days from its 30% exposure to Chinese equities as the Chinese government announced stimulus measures. While risks exist, particularly if China fails to sustain its stimulus efforts, I maintain my buy recommendation for SPEM given its current momentum and potential upside.
SPEM: Diversify Into Emerging Markets
Stretched valuations in US equity markets raise concern and suggest investors should look globally for investment opportunities. The SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF is a solid low-cost investment vehicle providing exposure to the investable universe in Emerging Markets. SPEM's ability to invest in smaller-cap equities allows it to outperform other EM funds that focus solely on large- and mid-cap equities.
