EEM vs IJR
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a high expense ratio of 0.72%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.12%. Launched in 2003, the fund has a 23-year track record.
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.28%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Quick Verdict
IJR is significantly cheaper at 0.06% vs 0.72% expense ratio, saving you approximately $1.277 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, EEM has significantly outperformed with a 30.5% return vs 19.2%. Income investors may prefer EEM for its higher yield (2.1% vs 1.3%).
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
0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
EEM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited!tpe/2330 | 13.38% |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 5.37% |
| Tencent Holdings Limited!hkg/0700 | 3.82% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 3.17% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Limited!hkg/9988 | 2.55% |
| China Construction Bank Corporation!hkg/0939 | 0.95% |
| Delta Electronics, Inc.!tpe/2308 | 0.88% |
| HDFC Bank Limited!nse/HDFCBANK | 0.87% |
| Reliance Industries Limited!nse/RELIANCE | 0.82% |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.!tpe/2317 | 0.75% |
IJR Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| BLK CSH FND TREASURY SL AGENCYXTSLA | 1.37% |
| Eastman Chemical CompanyEMN | 0.54% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc.VIAV | 0.53% |
| Argan, Inc.AGX | 0.52% |
| Primoris Services CorporationPRIM | 0.52% |
| FormFactor, Inc.FORM | 0.51% |
| Element Solutions IncESI | 0.51% |
| LKQ CorporationLKQ | 0.50% |
| SM Energy CompanySM | 0.49% |
| ESCO Technologies Inc.ESE | 0.48% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose IJR if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose EEM if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose EEM if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.