EEM ETF — iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM)

Updated October 2, 2026.

EEM is an ETF that tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. its distribution rate is 1.04%, its trailing-12-month yield is 1.65%, its expense ratio is 0.72%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 84/100 (Safe). Total return is 852.2% over the past 23.5 years, 401.3 points behind SPY at 1253.5%.

At the current 1.04% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $104 per year, or about $52.00 per semi-annual payment if the next payment matches the last regular one.

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

Price and return data through 2026-10-02.

Total return is 852.2% over the past 23.5 years, 401.3 points behind SPY at 1253.5%. Over the past year its total return — price change plus distributions reinvested — is 27.6%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 14.2%.

EEM key facts

Distribution Safety Score™

84 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

0.87%

Issuer

iShares

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

04/07/2003

Expense ratio

0.72%

Distribution rate

1.04%

Distribution frequency

Semi-Annual

Trailing yield

1.65%

Last close

$67.67 (as of 2026-10-02)

AUM

$31,688,913,883

Market cap

$47,882,735,616

Average volume

18326900.0

Last dividend

$0.351

Last ex-dividend date

06/15/2026

Last payment date

06/18/2026

Beta

1.02

P/E ratio

14.2125

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (1.04%) 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 (1.65%) 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. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: iShares or company 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

EEM may suit someone looking for a high Distribution Safety Score. 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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