KXI vs. EEM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

KXI (iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KXI is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Consumer Staples 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, KXI returned 5.49%/yr vs 9.68%/yr for EEM. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KXI charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

KXI vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) 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, KXI achieves a 3.05% return, which is significantly lower than EEM's 26.30% return. Over the past 10 years, KXI has underperformed EEM with an annualized return of 5.49%, while EEM has yielded a comparatively higher 9.68% annualized return.

KXI

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.73%
• YTD: 3.05%
• 6M: 3.22%
• 1Y: 1.47%
• 3Y*: 5.90%
• 5Y*: 3.70%
• 10Y*: 5.49%

EEM

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: 5.66%
• YTD: 26.30%
• 6M: 29.01%
• 1Y: 52.09%
• 3Y*: 23.47%
• 5Y*: 6.76%
• 10Y*: 9.68%

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

KXI vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KXI iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF	3.05%	9.68%	4.20%	2.41%	-6.02%	13.71%	7.69%	23.40%	-10.71%	17.60%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	26.30%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	18.22%	-15.31%	37.26%

Correlation

The correlation between KXI and EEM is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2006	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between KXI and EEM has dropped to 0.13 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

KXI vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KXI	EEM
Consumer Defensive	96.9%	2.7%
Consumer Cyclical	3.1%	8.1%
Basic Materials	-	6.1%
Communication Services	-	5.7%
Energy	-	3.3%
Financial Services	-	17.5%
Healthcare	-	2.5%
Industrials	-	6.2%
Real Estate	-	0.9%
Technology	-	43.6%
Utilities	-	2.0%

Return for Risk

KXI vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

KXI

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

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 79
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

KXI vs. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) 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.

	KXI	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.13	2.62	-2.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.26	3.42	-3.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.48	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.14	3.87	-3.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.32	14.91	-14.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KXI vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KXI Sharpe Ratio is 0.13, which is lower than the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KXI 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

	KXI	EEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13	2.62	-2.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.36	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	0.47	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.38	+0.11

Drawdowns

KXI vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KXI drawdown since its inception was -42.27%, smaller than the maximum EEM drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KXI and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	KXI	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.27%	-66.43%	+24.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.24%	-13.52%	+3.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.92%	-17.29%	+5.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.45%	-37.71%	+20.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.59%	-39.82%	+15.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.43%	-2.40%	-7.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.37%	-16.02%	+10.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.65%	3.50%	+1.15%

Volatility

KXI vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) is 3.81%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 8.49%. This indicates that KXI 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

	KXI	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	8.49%	-4.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.33%	17.47%	-8.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.78%	20.02%	-8.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	18.92%	-6.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.74%	20.50%	-6.76%

KXI vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

KXI has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

KXI vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

KXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.23%, more than EEM's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.76%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%
KXI iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF	2.23%	2.29%	2.51%	2.99%	1.98%	2.26%	2.34%	2.17%	2.97%	2.17%	2.34%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KXI and EEM in my portfolio?

KXI and EEM have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KXI or EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (8.49%) compared to KXI (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KXI dropped -42.27% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, KXI or EEM?

On 10-year performance, EEM leads with 9.68% vs 5.49% for KXI. On fees, KXI is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, KXI has been the lower-risk option at 3.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KXI or EEM?

Over the 10-year period, EEM has performed better with a 9.68% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KXI or EEM?

KXI is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

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

KXI has the higher dividend yield at 2.23%, compared with 1.76% for EEM.

What is the main difference between KXI and EEM?

KXI is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. KXI tracks S&P Global Consumer Staples Index, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Their fees differ too: 0.46% for KXI and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs 0.13), 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.