EMM vs. XYLD

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

EMM (Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF) and XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Global X, while XYLD is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index. EMM is actively managed, while XYLD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, EMM returned 18.36%/yr vs 11.42%/yr for XYLD. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMM charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for XYLD.

Performance

EMM vs. XYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMM achieves a 24.68% return, which is significantly higher than XYLD's 7.16% return.

EMM

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: -3.86%
• 6M: 21.23%
• YTD: 24.68%
• 1Y: 42.86%
• 3Y*: 18.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XYLD

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 2.23%
• 6M: 6.22%
• YTD: 7.16%
• 1Y: 17.29%
• 3Y*: 11.42%
• 5Y*: 7.69%
• 10Y*: 8.17%

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

EMM vs. XYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMM Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF	24.68%	30.21%	2.34%	2.99%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	7.16%	8.02%	19.49%	3.21%

Correlation

The correlation between EMM and XYLD is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2023	0.60

The correlation between EMM and XYLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (all time) to 0.70 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EMM vs. XYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMM

EMM Risk / Return Rank: 67
EMM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
EMM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
EMM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
EMM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
EMM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

XYLD

XYLD Risk / Return Rank: 90
XYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
XYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 95
XYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
XYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

EMM vs. XYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD). 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.

	EMM	XYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.50	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	3.56	-1.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.57	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	3.28	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.62	17.10	-6.48

EMM vs. XYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMM Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is lower than the XYLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMM and XYLD, 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

EMM vs. XYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMM drawdown since its inception was -21.99%, smaller than the maximum XYLD drawdown of -33.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMM and XYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMM	XYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.99%	-33.46%	+11.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.75%	-5.29%	-9.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-15.53%	-6.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.77%	0.00%	-9.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.71%	-3.69%	-1.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.05%	1.01%	+3.04%

Volatility

EMM vs. XYLD - Volatility Comparison

Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) has a higher volatility of 10.90% compared to Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) at 1.81%. This indicates that EMM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMM	XYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.90%	1.81%	+9.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.59%	5.91%	+17.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.41%	6.94%	+18.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.09%	11.28%	+8.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.09%	14.15%	+5.94%

EMM vs. XYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMM has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XYLD's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMM vs. XYLD - Dividend Comparison

EMM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, less than XYLD's 10.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMM Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF	0.76%	0.90%	0.80%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	10.28%	10.51%	11.54%	10.51%	13.43%	9.07%	7.93%	5.76%	7.12%	5.18%	3.23%	4.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMM and XYLD in my portfolio?

EMM and XYLD have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMM or XYLD?

EMM has higher volatility (10.90%) compared to XYLD (1.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMM dropped -21.99% vs XYLD's -33.46%.

Which ETF is better, EMM or XYLD?

On 3-year performance, EMM leads with 18.36% vs 11.42% for XYLD. On fees, XYLD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, XYLD has been the lower-risk option at 1.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMM or XYLD?

Over the 3-year period, EMM has performed better with a 18.36% return vs 11.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMM or XYLD?

XYLD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for EMM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMM or XYLD?

XYLD has the higher dividend yield at 10.28%, compared with 0.76% for EMM.

What is the main difference between EMM and XYLD?

EMM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while XYLD is Derivative Income. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for EMM and 0.60% for XYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 1.69), 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.