ETF Comparison
IEMG vs EEM: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| IEMG | EEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | BlackRock |
| Price | $70.28 | $57.23 |
| Distribution yield | 2.41% | 1.94% |
| Expense ratio | 0.09% | 0.72% |
| AUM | $148.6B | $30.1B |
| Distribution frequency | Semi-Annual | Semi-Annual |
| Underlying index | MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index | MSCI Emerging Markets Index |
| Objective | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. | Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 10/18/2012 | 04/07/2003 |
| Beta | 0.94 | 0.96 |
| Last dividend | $1.14 | $0.76 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/16/2025 | 12/16/2025 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both popular semi-annual-pay provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
IEMG offers the higher yield at 2.41% vs 1.94% for EEM. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
IEMG is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.09% compared to 0.72%.
They track different benchmarks: IEMG is linked to MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
IEMG is the larger fund by assets ($148.6B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, IEMG would generate roughly $20.08/month while EEM would produce $16.17/month at current distribution rates. Both pay semi-annual distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, IEMG would cost approximately $90 in fees vs $720 for EEM (simplified, not compounded). The $630.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index using a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy. Beta is 0.94 for IEMG and 0.96 for EEM, indicating IEMG is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
IEMG is managed by BlackRock (launched 10/18/2012) with $148.6B in assets. EEM is managed by BlackRock (launched 04/07/2003) with $30.1B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is IEMG or EEM better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. IEMG currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between IEMG and EEM?
IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. strategy, while EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index with a provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials. approach. They are issued by BlackRock and BlackRock respectively.
Can I hold both IEMG and EEM?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, IEMG or EEM?
IEMG has an expense ratio of 0.09% while EEM charges 0.72%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in IEMG vs EEM generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in IEMG would generate roughly $20.08 per month ($241.00 annually). The same in EEM would produce about $16.17 per month ($194.00 annually).
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