EWJ vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index, while XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWJ returned 9.55%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for XLB. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWJ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

EWJ vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with EWJ having a 14.83% return and XLB slightly higher at 15.57%. Over the past 10 years, EWJ has underperformed XLB with an annualized return of 9.55%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively higher 10.54% annualized return.

EWJ

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 14.83%
• 6M: 14.50%
• 1Y: 30.65%
• 3Y*: 16.57%
• 5Y*: 8.56%
• 10Y*: 9.55%

XLB

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 15.57%
• 6M: 16.68%
• 1Y: 20.35%
• 3Y*: 10.88%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

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

EWJ vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	14.83%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	15.57%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between EWJ and XLB is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998	0.54

The correlation between EWJ and XLB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWJ vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWJ	XLB
Industrials	26.0%	1.5%
Technology	19.1%	-
Financial Services	17.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	12.4%
Communication Services	7.9%	-
Healthcare	6.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	-
Basic Materials	3.0%	87.6%
Real Estate	2.3%	-
Utilities	1.1%	-
Energy	1.1%	-

Return for Risk

EWJ vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 51
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 51
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 51

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

EWJ vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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.

	EWJ	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.17	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	1.73	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.20	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	1.65	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.62	5.05	+2.57

EWJ vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is higher than the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWJ and XLB, 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

EWJ vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWJ drawdown since its inception was -60.93%, roughly equal to the maximum XLB drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWJ and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWJ	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.93%	-59.83%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.59%	-12.38%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-23.17%	+8.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.14%	-24.72%	-8.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.14%	-37.27%	+4.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-2.25%	+0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.72%	-10.83%	-10.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	4.04%	0.00%

Volatility

EWJ vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) is 6.31%, while Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) has a volatility of 7.05%. This indicates that EWJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWJ	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.31%	7.05%	-0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.96%	13.58%	+2.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.23%	17.49%	+2.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.38%	19.06%	-0.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.33%	20.70%	-3.37%

EWJ vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWJ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWJ vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

EWJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.94%, more than XLB's 1.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.94%	4.52%	2.34%	2.03%	1.23%	2.08%	1.04%	2.03%	1.71%	1.25%	1.95%	1.27%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.68%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWJ and XLB in my portfolio?

EWJ and XLB have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWJ or XLB?

XLB has higher volatility (7.05%) compared to EWJ (6.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWJ dropped -60.93% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, EWJ or XLB?

On 10-year performance, XLB leads with 10.54% vs 9.55% for EWJ. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, EWJ has been the lower-risk option at 6.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWJ or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, XLB has performed better with a 10.54% return vs 9.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWJ or XLB?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EWJ or XLB?

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.94%, compared with 1.68% for XLB.

What is the main difference between EWJ and XLB?

EWJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while XLB is Materials. EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWJ and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.17), 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.