EWY vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWY is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea Index, while XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWY returned 16.84%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for XLB. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWY charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

EWY vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWY achieves a 103.10% return, which is significantly higher than XLB's 15.57% return. Over the past 10 years, EWY has outperformed XLB with an annualized return of 16.84%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively lower 10.54% annualized return.

EWY

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 103.10%
• 6M: 117.85%
• 1Y: 198.25%
• 3Y*: 46.46%
• 5Y*: 18.80%
• 10Y*: 16.84%

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)

EWY vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	103.10%	95.33%	-20.48%	19.05%	-26.59%	-7.58%	39.43%	7.97%	-20.37%	44.97%
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 EWY and XLB is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2000	0.53

The correlation between EWY and XLB shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWY vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWY	XLB
Technology	52.4%	-
Industrials	20.4%	1.5%
Financial Services	9.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	12.4%
Healthcare	3.5%	-
Communication Services	2.9%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	87.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	-
Energy	1.4%	-
Utilities	0.4%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

EWY vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 95
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

EWY vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) 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.

	EWY	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.29	1.17	+3.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.08	1.73	+2.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.20	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.65	1.65	+6.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	30.24	5.05	+25.18

EWY vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWY Sharpe Ratio is 4.29, which is higher than the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWY 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

EWY vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWY drawdown since its inception was -74.14%, which is greater than XLB's maximum drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWY and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWY	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.14%	-59.83%	-14.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.08%	-12.38%	-10.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.36%	-23.17%	-4.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.55%	-24.72%	-23.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.73%	-37.27%	-12.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.88%	-2.25%	-6.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.11%	-10.83%	-9.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.59%	4.04%	+2.55%

Volatility

EWY vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a higher volatility of 25.64% compared to Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) at 7.05%. This indicates that EWY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWY	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	25.64%	7.05%	+18.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.65%	13.58%	+29.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	46.51%	17.49%	+29.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.15%	19.06%	+11.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.06%	20.70%	+7.36%

EWY vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWY has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWY vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

EWY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than XLB's 1.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	1.03%	2.10%	2.55%	2.52%	1.23%	2.16%	0.73%	2.10%	1.34%	2.90%	1.21%	2.42%
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 EWY and XLB in my portfolio?

EWY and XLB have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWY or XLB?

EWY has higher volatility (25.64%) compared to XLB (7.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWY dropped -74.14% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, EWY or XLB?

On 10-year performance, EWY leads with 16.84% vs 10.54% for XLB. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 7.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWY or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, EWY has performed better with a 16.84% return vs 10.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWY or XLB?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWY.

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

XLB has the higher dividend yield at 1.68%, compared with 1.03% for EWY.

What is the main difference between EWY and XLB?

EWY is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while XLB is Materials. EWY tracks MSCI Korea Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWY and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.29 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.