IEMG — iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
iShares (BlackRock) · Expense Ratio: 0.09% · Emerging Markets · 13bp below the Emerging Markets category average of 0.22%
Key Facts
| Ticker | IEMG |
| Full Name | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF |
| Provider | iShares (BlackRock) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% |
| Category | Emerging Markets |
| Assets Under Management | $80B |
| Inception Year | 2012 (14 years ago) |
| Number of Holdings | 2,900 |
| Dividend Yield | ~1.9% (moderate) |
| Top Holdings | TSM, BABA, RELIANCE |
What Is IEMG?
IEMG, managed by iShares (BlackRock), launched in 2012, is a major ETF with deep liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads in the Emerging Markets category. Emerging market stock ETF covering developing countries like China, India, Brazil. With $80B in assets under management, it benefits from deep institutional liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads.
IEMG in a FIRE Portfolio
This fund serves as a satellite position — adding targeted exposure to emerging markets within a FIRE portfolio built around a broad-market core.
Satellite holdings typically make up 5-20% of your portfolio. In a globally diversified FIRE portfolio, emerging markets exposure of 10-15% of your equity allocation captures growth in developing economies while limiting volatility.
Cost Analysis: How IEMG's 0.09% Fee Affects Your FIRE Timeline
At 0.09%, IEMG is very cost-effective. Annual fees on a $100K investment: $90. Over 30 years, the fee drag shaves approximately 0.5% off your total returns. For a $1M FIRE portfolio, that's about $9,000 in cumulative fees — noticeable but reasonable for most investors.
Dividend Income Potential
With a moderate dividend yield of approximately 1.9%, here's what IEMG could generate in annual income at different portfolio sizes:
| Portfolio Value | Annual Dividend Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $1,900/year | $158/month |
| $250,000 | $4,750/year | $396/month |
| $500,000 | $9,500/year | $792/month |
| $1,000,000 | $19,000/year | $1,583/month |
Frequently Asked Questions About IEMG
What is the expense ratio for IEMG?
IEMG has an expense ratio of 0.09%. This is very cost-effective — on a $100K portfolio, annual fees are $90. 13bp below the emerging markets category average of 0.22%.
Is IEMG good for a FIRE portfolio?
This fund serves as a satellite position — adding targeted exposure to emerging markets within a FIRE portfolio built around a broad-market core. Its 0.09% expense ratio is very cost-effective for the Emerging Markets category.
How does the 0.09% fee affect long-term returns?
At 0.09%, you'll pay $90/year per $100K invested. Over 30 years, fees reduce total returns by approximately 0.5%. Use the embedded calculator below to model the exact impact on your specific portfolio.
Similar ETFs in Emerging Markets
- VWO — Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (0.08% · Satellite Position)
- SCHE — Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (0.11% · Satellite Position)
- EEM — iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (0.68% · Satellite Position)
- ESGE — iShares ESG Aware Emerging Markets ETF (0.18% · Satellite Position)
- SPEM — SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (0.11% · Satellite Position)
- AVEM — Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (0.33% · Satellite Position)