GUNR vs. EMXC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GUNR (FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund) and EMXC (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GUNR is a Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index, while EMXC is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GUNR returned 9.47%/yr vs 12.14%/yr for EMXC. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GUNR charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EMXC.

Performance

GUNR vs. EMXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GUNR achieves a 15.74% return, which is significantly lower than EMXC's 37.25% return.

GUNR

• 1D: 1.19%
• 1M: -5.35%
• YTD: 15.74%
• 6M: 17.02%
• 1Y: 34.03%
• 3Y*: 12.40%
• 5Y*: 9.47%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

EMXC

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 3.75%
• YTD: 37.25%
• 6M: 42.23%
• 1Y: 65.26%
• 3Y*: 26.47%
• 5Y*: 12.14%
• 10Y*: —

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

GUNR vs. EMXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GUNR FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund	15.74%	30.03%	-8.37%	-2.40%	14.83%	26.06%	0.46%	18.41%	-9.42%	12.85%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between GUNR and EMXC is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2017	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between GUNR and EMXC has dropped to 0.44 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GUNR vs. EMXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GUNR	EMXC
Basic Materials	45.1%	6.8%
Energy	29.3%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	11.5%	2.9%
Utilities	4.0%	2.3%
Financial Services	2.7%	19.6%
Industrials	2.3%	8.3%
Communication Services	1.7%	3.4%
Technology	0.5%	45.0%
Real Estate	0.2%	1.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	4.5%
Healthcare	-	2.2%

Return for Risk

GUNR vs. EMXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

GUNR

GUNR Risk / Return Rank: 80
GUNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
GUNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
GUNR Omega Ratio Rank: 75
GUNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
GUNR Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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

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.

GUNR vs. EMXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC). 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.

	GUNR	EMXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	2.74	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	3.35	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.50	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.40	4.55	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.53	17.51	-0.99

GUNR vs. EMXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GUNR Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the EMXC Sharpe Ratio of 2.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GUNR and EMXC, 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

GUNR vs. EMXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUNR drawdown since its inception was -45.64%, which is greater than EMXC's maximum drawdown of -42.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUNR and EMXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUNR	EMXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.64%	-42.81%	-2.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.77%	-14.41%	+6.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.59%	-19.12%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.06%	-28.91%	+4.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.39%	-4.12%	-1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-10.17%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	3.74%	-1.68%

Volatility

GUNR vs. EMXC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) is 5.11%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) has a volatility of 12.83%. This indicates that GUNR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GUNR	EMXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.11%	12.83%	-7.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.13%	21.90%	-8.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.69%	23.90%	-8.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.06%	18.00%	+1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.44%	20.07%	+0.37%

GUNR vs. EMXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUNR has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than EMXC's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUNR vs. EMXC - Dividend Comparison

GUNR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, more than EMXC's 2.05% 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%
GUNR FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund	2.31%	2.81%	3.39%	3.55%	4.12%	3.61%	2.79%	3.25%	3.27%	2.00%	1.73%	4.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUNR and EMXC in my portfolio?

GUNR and EMXC have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GUNR or EMXC?

EMXC has higher volatility (12.83%) compared to GUNR (5.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GUNR dropped -45.64% vs EMXC's -42.81%.

Which ETF is better, GUNR or EMXC?

On 5-year performance, EMXC leads with 12.14% vs 9.47% for GUNR. On fees, GUNR is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, GUNR has been the lower-risk option at 5.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GUNR or EMXC?

Over the 5-year period, EMXC has performed better with a 12.14% return vs 9.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GUNR or EMXC?

GUNR is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EMXC.

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

GUNR has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 2.05% for EMXC.

What is the main difference between GUNR and EMXC?

GUNR is categorized as Commodity Producers Equities, while EMXC is Emerging Markets Equities. GUNR tracks Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index, while EMXC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for GUNR and 0.49% for EMXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.74 vs 2.18), 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.