EEMX vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EEMX (SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EEMX is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex Fossil Fuels Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EEMX returned 7.82%/yr vs 9.36%/yr for XLU. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EEMX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

EEMX vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EEMX) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEMX achieves a 27.49% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.65% return.

EEMX

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 6.59%
• YTD: 27.49%
• 6M: 30.63%
• 1Y: 54.54%
• 3Y*: 24.62%
• 5Y*: 7.82%
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -5.24%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 11.64%
• 3Y*: 13.76%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

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

EEMX vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMX SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF	27.49%	35.23%	7.22%	9.80%	-19.75%	-3.57%	19.55%	18.56%	-16.76%	38.46%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.65%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMX and XLU is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2016	0.18

EEMX vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMX	XLU
Technology	38.7%	-
Financial Services	20.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Industrials	7.6%	-
Communication Services	7.3%	-
Basic Materials	6.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	-
Healthcare	3.0%	-
Utilities	1.5%	100.0%
Real Estate	1.1%	-
Energy	0.5%	-

Return for Risk

EEMX vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMX

EEMX Risk / Return Rank: 80
EEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
EEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
EEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
EEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 24
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

EEMX vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EEMX) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	EEMX	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	0.81	+1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	1.18	+2.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.15	+0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.95	1.27	+2.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.59	2.84	+12.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EEMX vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMX and XLU, 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

	EEMX	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.64	0.81	+1.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.54	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.40	+0.07

Drawdowns

EEMX vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMX drawdown since its inception was -39.90%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMX and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMX	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.90%	-51.98%	+12.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.89%	-9.18%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.64%	-17.26%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.08%	-25.26%	-11.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.43%	-7.30%	+4.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.73%	-10.22%	-4.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.51%	4.11%	-0.60%

Volatility

EEMX vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF (EEMX) has a higher volatility of 8.86% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.47%. This indicates that EEMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMX	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.86%	5.47%	+3.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.24%	11.52%	+6.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.78%	14.57%	+6.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.15%	17.32%	+1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.22%	19.25%	+0.97%

EEMX vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMX vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

EEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than XLU's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMX SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Free ETF	1.77%	2.28%	2.26%	2.20%	2.38%	1.72%	1.42%	2.57%	2.41%	2.45%	0.15%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.71%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EEMX and XLU in my portfolio?

EEMX and XLU have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EEMX or XLU?

EEMX has higher volatility (8.86%) compared to XLU (5.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMX dropped -39.90% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, EEMX or XLU?

On 5-year performance, XLU leads with 9.36% vs 7.82% for EEMX. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEMX or XLU?

Over the 5-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.36% return vs 7.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMX or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for EEMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EEMX or XLU?

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 1.77% for EEMX.

What is the main difference between EEMX and XLU?

EEMX is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. EEMX tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex Fossil Fuels Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for EEMX and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 0.81), 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.