EEM ETF — iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM)

EEM is an ETF that tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. As of August 19, 2026, its distribution rate is 1.07%, its trailing-12-month yield is 1.70%, its expense ratio is 0.72%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 45/100 (Caution). Fund total return is 819.4% over the past 23.4 years, 427.0 points behind SPY at 1246.4%.

At the current 1.07% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $107 per year, or $8.92 per month on an equivalent basis. Actual semi-annual payments vary.

This ETF tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, holding large- and mid-cap stocks from developing economies around the world. It carries a modest current distribution rate paid semi-annually and has an expense ratio of 0.72%. The fund appeals primarily to equity investors seeking broad exposure to emerging markets.

EEM performance versus SPY

Data as of August 19, 2026.

Fund total return is 819.4% over the past 23.4 years, 427.0 points behind SPY at 1246.4%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 14.2%.

EEM key facts

Data as of August 19, 2026.

Distribution Safety Score™

45 · Caution

Safety-Adjusted Yield

0.48%

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

04/07/2003

Expense ratio

0.72%

Distribution rate

1.07%

Distribution frequency

Semi-Annual

Trailing yield

1.70%

Last close

$65.34

AUM

$30,490,980,930

Market cap

$47,882,735,616

Average volume

20588148.0

Last dividend

$0.3510

Ex-dividend date

06/15/2026

Payment date

06/18/2026

Beta

1.04

P/E ratio

16.955

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (1.07%) is the latest regular payout annualized by the fund's stated frequency, divided by the last close. Issuers often publish this as “Distribution Rate” on the fact sheet. Trailing-12-month yield (1.70%) is the sum of distributions paid in the last 12 months, split-adjusted, divided by the last close. It lags a recent raise or cut. We show a 30-day SEC yield when the fund publishes one. Schwab and other issuers may report a TTM distribution yield or SEC yield on a different date — all can be valid; they are not interchangeable. Fund total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is what the fund did, not your personal gain/loss. Figures below use Dividend Vision data as of August 19, 2026.

Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology · SEC yield

Sources and review

Data as of August 19, 2026.

Primary sources: iShares fund page; Index: MSCI Emerging Markets Index; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

EEM risks and drawbacks

EEM's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are semi-annual, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 14.2%.

Who may consider EEM — and who may not

It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (EEM pays semi-annual); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

Compare EEM

EEM vs similar funds:

• EEM vs IEMG
• EEM vs VWO
• EEM vs IEMG vs VWO

Frequently asked questions

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