DSI vs. EMXC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

DSI (iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF) and EMXC (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while EMXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DSI returned 12.74%/yr vs 12.14%/yr for EMXC. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EMXC.

Performance

DSI vs. EMXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DSI achieves a 9.87% return, which is significantly lower than EMXC's 37.25% return.

DSI

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 9.87%
• 6M: 10.52%
• 1Y: 27.10%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 12.74%
• 10Y*: 15.40%

EMXC

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 37.25%
• 6M: 42.23%
• 1Y: 67.80%
• 3Y*: 26.47%
• 5Y*: 12.14%
• 10Y*: —

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

DSI vs. EMXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	9.87%	18.03%	22.38%	28.51%	-21.71%	31.32%	20.94%	31.15%	-3.90%	8.00%
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	37.25%	35.14%	2.68%	18.96%	-19.56%	8.54%	12.76%	15.80%	-12.96%	7.16%

Correlation

The correlation between DSI and EMXC is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2017	0.67

The correlation between DSI and EMXC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSI vs. EMXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSI	EMXC
Technology	43.1%	52.4%
Communication Services	12.8%	3.0%
Financial Services	10.1%	17.4%
Industrials	8.0%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	4.1%
Healthcare	7.0%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	2.4%
Real Estate	2.6%	0.8%
Basic Materials	2.2%	6.0%
Energy	1.5%	3.4%
Utilities	0.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

DSI vs. EMXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSI

DSI Risk / Return Rank: 61
DSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
DSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
DSI Omega Ratio Rank: 64
DSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DSI Martin Ratio Rank: 61

EMXC

EMXC Risk / Return Rank: 89
EMXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
EMXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
EMXC Omega Ratio Rank: 90
EMXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
EMXC Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

DSI vs. EMXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DSI	EMXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.74	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	3.35	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.50	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	4.55	-2.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.56	17.51	-7.96

DSI vs. EMXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is lower than the EMXC Sharpe Ratio of 2.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSI and EMXC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DSI vs. EMXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSI drawdown since its inception was -54.23%, which is greater than EMXC's maximum drawdown of -42.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSI and EMXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSI	EMXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.23%	-42.81%	-11.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-14.41%	+3.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.58%	-19.12%	-1.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.36%	-28.91%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.26%	-4.12%	+1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-10.17%	+2.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	3.74%	-1.07%

Volatility

DSI vs. EMXC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) is 5.22%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) has a volatility of 12.83%. This indicates that DSI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DSI	EMXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	12.83%	-7.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.81%	21.90%	-11.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	23.90%	-10.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.00%	18.00%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.74%	20.07%	-1.33%

DSI vs. EMXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than EMXC's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSI vs. EMXC - Dividend Comparison

DSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, less than EMXC's 2.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	0.86%	0.92%	1.03%	1.19%	1.39%	0.99%	1.22%	1.40%	1.63%	1.28%	1.51%	1.46%
EMXC iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF	2.05%	2.82%	2.69%	1.83%	2.85%	1.78%	1.45%	3.25%	2.63%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSI and EMXC in my portfolio?

DSI and EMXC have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSI or EMXC?

EMXC has higher volatility (12.83%) compared to DSI (5.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSI dropped -54.23% vs EMXC's -42.81%.

Which ETF is better, DSI or EMXC?

On 5-year performance, DSI leads with 12.74% vs 12.14% for EMXC. On fees, DSI is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DSI has been the lower-risk option at 5.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSI or EMXC?

Over the 5-year period, DSI has performed better with a 12.74% return vs 12.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSI or EMXC?

DSI is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EMXC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DSI or EMXC?

EMXC has the higher dividend yield at 2.05%, compared with 0.86% for DSI.

What is the main difference between DSI and EMXC?

DSI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while EMXC is Emerging Markets Equities. DSI tracks MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while EMXC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DSI and 0.49% for EMXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.74 vs 1.88), 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.