SPEM — SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF
SPDR (State Street) · Expense Ratio: 0.11% · Emerging Markets · 11bp below the Emerging Markets category average of 0.22%
Key Facts
| Ticker | SPEM |
| Full Name | SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF |
| Provider | SPDR (State Street) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.11% |
| Category | Emerging Markets |
| Assets Under Management | $10B |
| Inception Year | 2007 (19 years ago) |
| Number of Holdings | 2,700 |
| Dividend Yield | ~1.8% (moderate) |
| Top Holdings | TSM, BABA, RELIANCE |
What Is SPEM?
SPEM, managed by SPDR (State Street), launched in 2007, is a well-established ETF with adequate liquidity for most investors in the Emerging Markets category. Emerging market stock ETF covering developing countries like China, India, Brazil. With $10B in assets under management, it has adequate trading volume for most individual investors.
SPEM 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 SPEM's 0.11% Fee Affects Your FIRE Timeline
At 0.11%, SPEM is moderately priced. Annual fees on a $100K investment: $110. Over 30 years, the fee drag shaves approximately 0.7% off your total returns. For a $1M FIRE portfolio, that's about $11,000 in cumulative fees — noticeable but reasonable for most investors.
Dividend Income Potential
With a moderate dividend yield of approximately 1.8%, here's what SPEM could generate in annual income at different portfolio sizes:
| Portfolio Value | Annual Dividend Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $1,800/year | $150/month |
| $250,000 | $4,500/year | $375/month |
| $500,000 | $9,000/year | $750/month |
| $1,000,000 | $18,000/year | $1,500/month |
Frequently Asked Questions About SPEM
What is the expense ratio for SPEM?
SPEM has an expense ratio of 0.11%. This is moderately priced — on a $100K portfolio, annual fees are $110. 11bp below the emerging markets category average of 0.22%.
Is SPEM 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 0.11% expense ratio is moderately priced for the Emerging Markets category.
How does the 0.11% fee affect long-term returns?
At 0.11%, you'll pay $110/year per $100K invested. Over 30 years, fees reduce total returns by approximately 0.7%. Use the embedded calculator below to model the exact impact on your specific portfolio.
Is SPEM liquid enough for my portfolio?
SPEM manages $10B in assets — a well-established ETF with adequate liquidity for most investors. For most individual FIRE investors making regular contributions, liquidity is sufficient. If you're investing large lump sums ($100K+), use limit orders to control your execution price.
Similar ETFs in Emerging Markets
- VWO — Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (0.08% · Satellite Position)
- IEMG — iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (0.09% · 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)
- AVEM — Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (0.33% · Satellite Position)