IEMG vs. STXE
IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and STXE (Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds - IEMG tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net) while STXE tracks the Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IEMG returned 22.21%/yr vs 28.59%/yr for STXE. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IEMG charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for STXE.
Performance
IEMG vs. STXE - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IEMG achieves a 22.14% return, which is significantly lower than STXE's 44.15% return.
IEMG
- 1D
- 0.16%
- 1M
- 1.90%
- YTD
- 22.14%
- 6M
- 22.65%
- 1Y
- 40.36%
- 3Y*
- 22.21%
- 5Y*
- 6.93%
- 10Y*
- 10.40%
STXE
- 1D
- 0.08%
- 1M
- 6.32%
- YTD
- 44.15%
- 6M
- 45.89%
- 1Y
- 71.69%
- 3Y*
- 28.59%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IEMG vs. STXE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 22.14% | 32.56% | 6.50% | 2.44% |
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 44.15% | 34.23% | 2.09% | 12.38% |
Correlation
The correlation between IEMG and STXE is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.93 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.87 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2023 | 0.87 |
The correlation between IEMG and STXE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IEMG vs. STXE — Risk / Return Rank
IEMG
STXE
IEMG vs. STXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE). 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.
| IEMG | STXE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.87 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.86 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.36 | 1.50 | -0.14 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.07 | 4.97 | -1.90 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.18 | 19.10 | -7.92 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IEMG vs. STXE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IEMG drawdown since its inception was -38.71%, which is greater than STXE's maximum drawdown of -18.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IEMG and STXE.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IEMG | STXE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -38.71% | -18.92% | -19.79% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.21% | -14.51% | +1.30% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -17.21% | -18.92% | +1.71% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -35.75% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -38.71% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.29% | -6.36% | +1.07% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -12.93% | -3.72% | -9.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.62% | 3.77% | -0.15% |
Volatility
IEMG vs. STXE - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) is 12.22%, while Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) has a volatility of 15.50%. This indicates that IEMG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than STXE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IEMG | STXE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 12.22% | 15.50% | -3.28% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 20.12% | 24.94% | -4.82% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.11% | 26.68% | -4.57% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.99% | 19.07% | -0.08% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.19% | 19.07% | +1.12% |
IEMG vs. STXE - Expense Ratio Comparison
IEMG has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than STXE's 0.32% expense ratio.
Dividends
IEMG vs. STXE - Dividend Comparison
IEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.21%, more than STXE's 1.86% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 2.21% | 2.75% | 3.20% | 2.89% | 2.71% | 3.06% | 1.87% | 3.15% | 2.76% | 2.35% | 2.28% | 2.53% |
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF | 1.86% | 2.66% | 3.22% | 1.08% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.93, IEMG and STXE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
STXE has higher volatility (15.50%) compared to IEMG (12.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IEMG dropped -38.71% vs STXE's -18.92%.
On 3-year performance, STXE leads with 28.59% vs 22.21% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IEMG has been the lower-risk option at 12.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, STXE has performed better with a 28.59% return vs 22.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for STXE.
IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.21%, compared with 1.86% for STXE.
IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net), while STXE tracks Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Strive. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IEMG and 0.32% for STXE.
STXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.84), 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.
Find the right allocation for IEMG and STXE
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer