EPU vs. XTL

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

EPU (iShares MSCI Peru ETF) and XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPU is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Peru Capped Index, while XTL is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EPU returned 15.16%/yr vs 16.27%/yr for XTL. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EPU charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XTL.

Performance

EPU vs. XTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPU achieves a 21.02% return, which is significantly lower than XTL's 51.28% return. Over the past 10 years, EPU has underperformed XTL with an annualized return of 15.16%, while XTL has yielded a comparatively higher 16.27% annualized return.

EPU

• 1D: 2.12%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 21.02%
• 6M: 26.87%
• 1Y: 85.51%
• 3Y*: 46.38%
• 5Y*: 28.15%
• 10Y*: 15.16%

XTL

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 51.28%
• 6M: 51.62%
• 1Y: 120.42%
• 3Y*: 46.01%
• 5Y*: 18.76%
• 10Y*: 16.27%

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

EPU vs. XTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	21.02%	86.87%	21.73%	25.34%	2.05%	-11.81%	-4.31%	7.30%	-12.17%	29.70%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	51.28%	44.95%	34.89%	-1.17%	-19.18%	21.58%	22.46%	12.51%	-6.60%	0.56%

Correlation

The correlation between EPU and XTL is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2011	0.40

EPU vs. XTL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPU	XTL
Basic Materials	54.2%	-
Financial Services	27.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	-
Real Estate	3.0%	2.3%
Utilities	2.8%	-
Industrials	2.6%	-
Communication Services	1.5%	35.0%
Healthcare	0.9%	-
Energy	-	-
Technology	-	62.7%

Return for Risk

EPU vs. XTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPU

EPU Risk / Return Rank: 82
EPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
EPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
EPU Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
EPU Martin Ratio Rank: 72

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 95
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

EPU vs. XTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). 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.

	EPU	XTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	3.88	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	4.26	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.56	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.07	7.95	-3.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.73	33.56	-21.83

EPU vs. XTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPU Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is comparable to the XTL Sharpe Ratio of 3.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPU and XTL, 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

EPU vs. XTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPU drawdown since its inception was -60.62%, which is greater than XTL's maximum drawdown of -37.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPU and XTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPU	XTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.62%	-37.01%	-23.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.85%	-14.70%	-6.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.85%	-22.79%	+1.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.59%	-37.01%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.97%	-37.01%	-13.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.69%	-6.72%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.81%	-9.76%	-9.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.22%	3.48%	+3.74%

Volatility

EPU vs. XTL - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) has a higher volatility of 13.52% compared to SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) at 11.43%. This indicates that EPU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XTL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPU	XTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.52%	11.43%	+2.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.94%	24.28%	+2.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.04%	30.13%	+0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.11%	25.34%	-0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.64%	23.66%	-0.02%

EPU vs. XTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPU has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XTL's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPU vs. XTL - Dividend Comparison

EPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than XTL's 0.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	1.35%	1.63%	5.78%	4.17%	5.56%	3.13%	1.91%	2.67%	1.53%	3.30%	0.85%	1.90%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	0.86%	1.05%	0.62%	0.80%	0.74%	1.25%	0.88%	0.92%	1.90%	2.08%	1.11%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPU and XTL in my portfolio?

EPU and XTL have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPU or XTL?

EPU has higher volatility (13.52%) compared to XTL (11.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPU dropped -60.62% vs XTL's -37.01%.

Which ETF is better, EPU or XTL?

On 10-year performance, XTL leads with 16.27% vs 15.16% for EPU. On fees, XTL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XTL has been the lower-risk option at 11.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPU or XTL?

Over the 10-year period, XTL has performed better with a 16.27% return vs 15.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPU or XTL?

XTL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EPU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPU or XTL?

EPU has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.86% for XTL.

What is the main difference between EPU and XTL?

EPU is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while XTL is Communications Equities. EPU tracks MSCI All Peru Capped Index, while XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EPU and 0.35% for XTL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.88 vs 2.73), 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.