EEMS vs. EWX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

EEMS (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF) and EWX (SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EEMS is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index, while EWX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets Under USD2 Billion Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EEMS returned 9.44%/yr vs 9.86%/yr for EWX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EEMS charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for EWX.

Performance

EEMS vs. EWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) and SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF (EWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEMS achieves a 16.21% return, which is significantly higher than EWX's 15.28% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EEMS having a 9.44% annualized return and EWX not far ahead at 9.86%.

EEMS

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 16.21%
• 6M: 18.24%
• 1Y: 31.17%
• 3Y*: 17.34%
• 5Y*: 7.37%
• 10Y*: 9.44%

EWX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 3.32%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 17.57%
• 1Y: 30.50%
• 3Y*: 16.53%
• 5Y*: 7.53%
• 10Y*: 9.86%

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

EEMS vs. EWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	16.21%	19.78%	3.13%	23.09%	-19.12%	18.12%	19.47%	11.25%	-18.98%	34.80%
EWX SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF	15.28%	15.46%	6.81%	18.13%	-15.00%	18.15%	14.84%	15.59%	-18.75%	34.12%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMS and EWX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 19, 2011	0.87

The correlation between EEMS and EWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

EEMS vs. EWX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMS	EWX
Technology	22.7%	16.0%
Industrials	18.9%	9.8%
Financial Services	11.1%	4.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	5.5%
Healthcare	9.4%	3.6%
Basic Materials	9.3%	6.0%
Real Estate	5.9%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	2.4%
Communication Services	2.9%	0.9%
Utilities	2.7%	1.2%
Energy	2.4%	2.0%

Return for Risk

EEMS vs. EWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMS

EEMS Risk / Return Rank: 54
EEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
EEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
EEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
EEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
EEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 59

EWX

EWX Risk / Return Rank: 65
EWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
EWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
EWX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
EWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
EWX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EEMS vs. EWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) and SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF (EWX). 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.

	EEMS	EWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.07	-0.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.82	-0.38
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.38	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	3.91	-0.97
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	12.39	-2.02
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EEMS vs. EWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the EWX Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMS and EWX, 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

	EEMS	EWX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.82	2.07	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.50	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.58	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.22	+0.10

Drawdowns

EEMS vs. EWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMS drawdown since its inception was -48.89%, smaller than the maximum EWX drawdown of -63.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMS and EWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMS	EWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.89%	-63.90%	+15.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.87%	-7.98%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.71%	-21.37%	+1.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.07%	-24.67%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.89%	-43.00%	-5.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-0.21%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.51%	-13.17%	+2.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	2.52%	+0.56%

Volatility

EEMS vs. EWX - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) has a higher volatility of 6.98% compared to SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF (EWX) at 5.11%. This indicates that EEMS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMS	EWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.98%	5.11%	+1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.83%	12.20%	+2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.24%	14.79%	+2.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.05%	15.19%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.99%	17.14%	+0.85%

EEMS vs. EWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMS has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than EWX's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMS vs. EWX - Dividend Comparison

EEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than EWX's 2.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	2.66%	3.09%	2.60%	2.69%	0.89%	3.56%	2.14%	2.64%	3.06%	2.47%	2.51%	2.33%
EWX SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF	2.52%	2.91%	2.90%	2.32%	3.00%	2.77%	2.24%	2.73%	3.26%	2.30%	2.46%	3.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EEMS and EWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, EEMS and EWX 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, EEMS or EWX?

EEMS has higher volatility (6.98%) compared to EWX (5.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMS dropped -48.89% vs EWX's -63.90%.

Which ETF is better, EEMS or EWX?

On 10-year performance, EWX leads with 9.86% vs 9.44% for EEMS. On fees, EWX is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, EWX has been the lower-risk option at 5.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEMS or EWX?

Over the 10-year period, EWX has performed better with a 9.86% return vs 9.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMS or EWX?

EWX is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.73% for EEMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EEMS or EWX?

EEMS has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 2.52% for EWX.

What is the main difference between EEMS and EWX?

EEMS is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while EWX is Emerging Markets Equities. EEMS tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index, while EWX tracks S&P Emerging Markets Under USD2 Billion Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.73% for EEMS and 0.65% for EWX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.82), 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.