ITB vs. EEM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

ITB (iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ITB is a Building & Construction fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index, while EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ITB returned 13.61%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for EEM. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ITB charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

ITB vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ITB achieves a -3.71% return, which is significantly lower than EEM's 20.18% return. Over the past 10 years, ITB has outperformed EEM with an annualized return of 13.61%, while EEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.37% annualized return.

ITB

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -0.48%
• YTD: -3.71%
• 6M: -7.66%
• 1Y: 3.31%
• 3Y*: 6.44%
• 5Y*: 6.84%
• 10Y*: 13.61%

EEM

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: -3.22%
• YTD: 20.18%
• 6M: 22.10%
• 1Y: 43.51%
• 3Y*: 20.79%
• 5Y*: 5.98%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

ITB vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ITB iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF	-3.71%	-5.26%	2.06%	68.91%	-26.26%	49.25%	26.42%	48.70%	-30.92%	59.65%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	20.18%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	18.22%	-15.31%	37.26%

Correlation

The correlation between ITB and EEM is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2006	0.50

The correlation between ITB and EEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (1 year) to 0.50 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ITB vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ITB	EEM
Consumer Cyclical	71.8%	8.1%
Industrials	19.1%	6.2%
Basic Materials	8.6%	6.1%
Real Estate	0.5%	0.9%
Communication Services	-	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.7%
Energy	-	3.3%
Financial Services	-	17.5%
Healthcare	-	2.5%
Technology	-	43.6%
Utilities	-	2.0%

Return for Risk

ITB vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ITB

ITB Risk / Return Rank: 11
ITB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
ITB Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
ITB Omega Ratio Rank: 12
ITB Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
ITB Martin Ratio Rank: 10

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 70
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

ITB vs. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). 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.

	ITB	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.11	2.07	-1.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.42	2.66	-2.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.39	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.13	3.23	-3.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.25	12.20	-11.95
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ITB vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITB Sharpe Ratio is 0.11, which is lower than the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITB and EEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ITB	EEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11	2.07	-1.95
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.31	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.46	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.11	0.37	-0.26

Drawdowns

ITB vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITB drawdown since its inception was -86.53%, which is greater than EEM's maximum drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITB and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITB	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.53%	-66.43%	-20.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.04%	-13.52%	-12.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.35%	-17.29%	-16.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.55%	-37.49%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.10%	-39.82%	-12.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.00%	-7.13%	-19.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.10%	-16.01%	-21.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.28%	3.58%	+9.70%

Volatility

ITB vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) is 7.16%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 10.60%. This indicates that ITB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ITB	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	10.60%	-3.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.24%	18.87%	+1.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.41%	21.19%	+8.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.19%	19.16%	+10.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.00%	20.62%	+9.38%

ITB vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITB has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITB vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

ITB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, less than EEM's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.85%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%
ITB iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF	1.23%	1.67%	0.46%	0.48%	0.86%	0.37%	0.46%	0.50%	0.63%	0.28%	0.43%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITB and EEM in my portfolio?

ITB and EEM have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ITB or EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (10.60%) compared to ITB (7.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITB dropped -86.53% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, ITB or EEM?

On 10-year performance, ITB leads with 13.61% vs 9.37% for EEM. On fees, ITB is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, ITB has been the lower-risk option at 7.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ITB or EEM?

Over the 10-year period, ITB has performed better with a 13.61% return vs 9.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ITB or EEM?

ITB is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ITB or EEM?

EEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.85%, compared with 1.23% for ITB.

What is the main difference between ITB and EEM?

ITB is categorized as Building & Construction, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. ITB tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.42% for ITB and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 0.11), 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.