SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF

SPEM

Market cap $14.4B

Getting emerging market exposure is a viable option in the current market environment. That's especially so given the global de-dollarization and prospect of further rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Emerging markets like China and Brazil show strong relative strength and attractive valuations, making SPEM a compelling buy for 2025. SPEM offers broad, low-cost exposure to large-cap, growth-oriented emerging market equities, with a 2.54% yield and low volatility. Despite seasonally weak months ahead, SPEM's technical momentum is robust, with shares breaking above key resistance and approaching all-time highs.

When it comes to equities exposure, U.S. large-caps continue to garner the lion's share of capital allocations. However, emerging markets (EM) could finally be in the throes of a comeback.

Emerging markets are drawing billions in fresh inflows as U.S. debt fears, tariffs and inflation shake investor confidence.

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).

After a tumultuous period for markets in which the Trump administration raised tariffs on goods imported from China to 145%, news of an apparent deal with the Chinese government brought the tariff level down to 30% as of mid-May 2025. The S&P 500 seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at this news, turning positive year-to-date (YTD) after a significant drop in April.

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.

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.

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.

By Jeff Weniger, CFA, Head of Equity Strategy Key Takeaways South Korea's classification as an “emerging” or “developed” market affects funds' allocations, with some emerging markets funds having no exposure to the country. The “Korea Discount” refers to the low valuations placed on South Korea's stocks relative to stocks in other countries.