EMXC vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EMXC (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EMXC returned 12.14%/yr vs 20.12%/yr for XLE. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EMXC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

EMXC vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMXC achieves a 37.25% return, which is significantly higher than XLE's 29.56% return.

EMXC

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

XLE

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.90%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 6M: 28.37%
• 1Y: 34.84%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

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

EMXC vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.56%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between EMXC and XLE is -0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.05
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2017	0.38

The correlation between EMXC and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.05 (1 year) to 0.38 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EMXC vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMXC	XLE
Technology	45.0%	-
Financial Services	19.6%	-
Industrials	8.3%	-
Basic Materials	6.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	-
Energy	4.2%	100.0%
Communication Services	3.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	-
Utilities	2.3%	-
Healthcare	2.2%	-
Real Estate	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

EMXC vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 61
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

EMXC vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	EMXC	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.74	1.82	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	2.40	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.30	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.55	3.10	+1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.51	8.63	+8.88

EMXC vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMXC Sharpe Ratio is 2.74, which is higher than the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMXC and XLE, 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

EMXC vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMXC drawdown since its inception was -42.81%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMXC and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMXC	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.81%	-71.26%	+28.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.41%	-12.05%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.12%	-20.14%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.91%	-26.04%	-2.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.12%	-8.01%	+3.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.17%	-17.97%	+7.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	4.32%	-0.58%

Volatility

EMXC vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) has a higher volatility of 12.83% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 7.26%. This indicates that EMXC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMXC	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.83%	7.26%	+5.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.90%	16.79%	+5.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.90%	20.57%	+3.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.00%	26.05%	-8.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.07%	29.58%	-9.51%

EMXC vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMXC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMXC vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

EMXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, less than XLE's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMXC and XLE in my portfolio?

EMXC and XLE have a correlation of -0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMXC or XLE?

EMXC has higher volatility (12.83%) compared to XLE (7.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMXC dropped -42.81% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, EMXC or XLE?

On 5-year performance, XLE leads with 20.12% vs 12.14% for EMXC. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 7.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMXC or XLE?

Over the 5-year period, XLE has performed better with a 20.12% return vs 12.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMXC or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EMXC.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 2.05% for EMXC.

What is the main difference between EMXC and XLE?

EMXC is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. EMXC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EMXC and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.74 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.