GLD vs IEMG
SPDR Gold Shares vs iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-10
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by SPDR that provides exposure to gold securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.40%. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.49%. Launched in 2012, the fund has a 14-year track record.
Quick Verdict
IEMG is significantly cheaper at 0.09% vs 0.40% expense ratio, saving you approximately $607 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. GLD has edged ahead over the past year (49.8% vs 48.0%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
IEMG Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 11.69% |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 5.24% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 3.20% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 2.96% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!hkg/9988 | 2.14% |
| China Construction Bank Corporation!hkg/0939 | 0.81% |
| Delta Electronics, Inc.!tpe/2308 | 0.79% |
| HDFC Bank Limited!nse/HDFCBANK | 0.77% |
| Reliance Industries Limited!nse/RELIANCE | 0.68% |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.!tpe/2317 | 0.61% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose IEMG if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.