SDEM vs. XYLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SDEM (Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF) and XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Top 50 Dividend, while XYLD is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDEM returned 4.84%/yr vs 8.25%/yr for XYLD. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDEM charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for XYLD.

Performance

SDEM vs. XYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDEM achieves a 10.35% return, which is significantly higher than XYLD's 4.96% return. Over the past 10 years, SDEM has underperformed XYLD with an annualized return of 4.84%, while XYLD has yielded a comparatively higher 8.25% annualized return.

SDEM

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: 1.02%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 10.30%
• 1Y: 30.03%
• 3Y*: 19.61%
• 5Y*: 4.14%
• 10Y*: 4.84%

XYLD

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 2.00%
• YTD: 4.96%
• 6M: 6.48%
• 1Y: 17.66%
• 3Y*: 11.27%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 8.25%

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

SDEM vs. XYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	10.35%	32.01%	4.02%	12.64%	-21.53%	2.11%	-11.13%	17.56%	-17.40%	16.57%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	4.96%	8.02%	19.49%	11.10%	-12.05%	19.59%	-0.56%	21.41%	-6.09%	16.49%

Correlation

The correlation between SDEM and XYLD is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 18, 2015	0.50

The correlation between SDEM and XYLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (3 years) to 0.55 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SDEM vs. XYLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDEM	XYLD
Financial Services	24.2%	11.8%
Industrials	12.9%	8.3%
Utilities	7.9%	2.3%
Communication Services	5.7%	11.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	4.9%
Technology	5.6%	35.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	10.2%
Energy	5.1%	3.5%
Real Estate	3.2%	1.9%
Healthcare	2.0%	8.5%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.8%

Return for Risk

SDEM vs. XYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDEM

SDEM Risk / Return Rank: 65
SDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
SDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

XYLD

XYLD Risk / Return Rank: 82
XYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
XYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
XYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 92
XYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
XYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

SDEM vs. XYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD). 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.

	SDEM	XYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.71	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	3.87	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.64	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.34	3.35	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.64	17.84	-6.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SDEM vs. XYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the XYLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDEM and XYLD, 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

	SDEM	XYLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.22	2.71	-0.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.69	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.25	0.58	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.60	-0.42

Drawdowns

SDEM vs. XYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDEM drawdown since its inception was -47.38%, which is greater than XYLD's maximum drawdown of -33.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDEM and XYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDEM	XYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.38%	-33.46%	-13.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.03%	-5.29%	-3.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.34%	-15.53%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.70%	-18.66%	-18.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.38%	-33.46%	-13.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.20%	-0.15%	-4.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.71%	-3.72%	-16.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	0.99%	+1.60%

Volatility

SDEM vs. XYLD - Volatility Comparison

Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) has a higher volatility of 4.90% compared to Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) at 0.88%. This indicates that SDEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDEM	XYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	0.88%	+4.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	5.37%	+5.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.57%	6.55%	+7.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.43%	11.22%	+6.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.22%	14.21%	+5.01%

SDEM vs. XYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDEM has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than XYLD's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDEM vs. XYLD - Dividend Comparison

SDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.42%, less than XYLD's 10.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	5.42%	5.27%	7.28%	7.50%	8.86%	8.14%	6.30%	6.47%	6.55%	5.01%	5.06%	6.14%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	10.52%	10.51%	11.54%	10.51%	13.43%	9.07%	7.93%	5.76%	7.12%	5.18%	3.23%	4.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDEM and XYLD in my portfolio?

SDEM and XYLD have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDEM or XYLD?

SDEM has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to XYLD (0.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDEM dropped -47.38% vs XYLD's -33.46%.

Which ETF is better, SDEM or XYLD?

On 10-year performance, XYLD leads with 8.25% vs 4.84% for SDEM. On fees, XYLD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, XYLD has been the lower-risk option at 0.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDEM or XYLD?

Over the 10-year period, XYLD has performed better with a 8.25% return vs 4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDEM or XYLD?

XYLD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.67% for SDEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDEM or XYLD?

XYLD has the higher dividend yield at 10.52%, compared with 5.42% for SDEM.

What is the main difference between SDEM and XYLD?

SDEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while XYLD is Derivative Income. SDEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Top 50 Dividend, while XYLD tracks Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index. Their fees differ too: 0.67% for SDEM and 0.60% for XYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 2.22), 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.