CXSE vs. GXC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CXSE (WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund) and GXC (SPDR S&P China ETF) are both China Equities funds - CXSE tracks the WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Index while GXC tracks the S&P China BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CXSE returned 7.43%/yr vs 5.25%/yr for GXC. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CXSE charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GXC.

Performance

CXSE vs. GXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE) and SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CXSE achieves a 0.93% return, which is significantly higher than GXC's -3.93% return. Over the past 10 years, CXSE has outperformed GXC with an annualized return of 7.43%, while GXC has yielded a comparatively lower 5.25% annualized return.

CXSE

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 0.93%
• 6M: 0.61%
• 1Y: 24.36%
• 3Y*: 10.95%
• 5Y*: -8.07%
• 10Y*: 7.43%

GXC

• 1D: -2.27%
• 1M: -2.82%
• YTD: -3.93%
• 6M: -5.13%
• 1Y: 12.26%
• 3Y*: 10.65%
• 5Y*: -4.55%
• 10Y*: 5.25%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CXSE vs. GXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CXSE WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund	0.93%	37.00%	8.56%	-18.02%	-29.32%	-23.67%	59.39%	37.96%	-28.55%	81.50%
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	-3.93%	30.84%	14.60%	-9.93%	-22.12%	-19.70%	28.31%	23.07%	-19.39%	51.66%

Correlation

The correlation between CXSE and GXC is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2012	0.88

The correlation between CXSE and GXC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

CXSE vs. GXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CXSE	GXC
Consumer Cyclical	26.2%	22.9%
Technology	22.6%	11.9%
Industrials	16.6%	9.1%
Communication Services	10.1%	14.3%
Healthcare	8.8%	6.7%
Financial Services	6.2%	17.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	3.7%
Basic Materials	3.4%	7.0%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.9%
Energy	0.4%	3.5%
Utilities	0.3%	1.8%

Return for Risk

CXSE vs. GXC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CXSE

CXSE Risk / Return Rank: 28
CXSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
CXSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
CXSE Omega Ratio Rank: 30
CXSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
CXSE Martin Ratio Rank: 22

GXC

GXC Risk / Return Rank: 19
GXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
GXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
GXC Omega Ratio Rank: 19
GXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
GXC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CXSE vs. GXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE) and SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	CXSE	GXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	0.65	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.67	1.03	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.13	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.38	0.90	+0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.90	2.02	+0.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CXSE vs. GXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CXSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is higher than the GXC Sharpe Ratio of 0.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CXSE and GXC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CXSE	GXC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.14	0.65	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.25	-0.16	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26	0.20	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.19	0.16	+0.03

Drawdowns

CXSE vs. GXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CXSE drawdown since its inception was -70.01%, roughly equal to the maximum GXC drawdown of -71.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CXSE and GXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	CXSE	GXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.01%	-71.96%	+1.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.70%	-13.73%	-3.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.12%	-25.54%	-6.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-64.47%	-53.99%	-10.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.01%	-60.23%	-9.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-46.01%	-32.10%	-13.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.83%	-28.82%	+0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.42%	6.09%	+2.33%

Volatility

CXSE vs. GXC - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE) has a higher volatility of 7.29% compared to SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) at 6.64%. This indicates that CXSE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CXSE	GXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.29%	6.64%	+0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.54%	13.59%	+0.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.39%	18.88%	+2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.30%	28.97%	+3.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.70%	26.09%	+2.61%

CXSE vs. GXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

CXSE has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than GXC's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

CXSE vs. GXC - Dividend Comparison

CXSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, less than GXC's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CXSE WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund	1.99%	1.95%	1.70%	1.71%	1.55%	0.86%	0.54%	0.96%	1.49%	1.24%	1.39%	2.50%
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	2.50%	2.40%	2.81%	3.70%	2.67%	1.35%	1.04%	1.60%	2.03%	1.84%	2.05%	2.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CXSE and GXC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, CXSE and GXC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CXSE or GXC?

CXSE has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to GXC (6.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CXSE dropped -70.01% vs GXC's -71.96%.

Which ETF is better, CXSE or GXC?

On 10-year performance, CXSE leads with 7.43% vs 5.25% for GXC. On fees, CXSE is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, GXC has been the lower-risk option at 6.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CXSE or GXC?

Over the 10-year period, CXSE has performed better with a 7.43% return vs 5.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CXSE or GXC?

CXSE is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for GXC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CXSE or GXC?

GXC has the higher dividend yield at 2.50%, compared with 1.99% for CXSE.

What is the main difference between CXSE and GXC?

CXSE tracks WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Index, while GXC tracks S&P China BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for CXSE and 0.59% for GXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CXSE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 0.65), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.