SEIS vs. SEEM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SEIS (SEI Select Small Cap ETF) and SEEM (SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SEIS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by SEI, while SEEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by SEI. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SEIS returned 33.83% vs 62.03% for SEEM. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SEIS charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SEEM.

Performance

SEIS vs. SEEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Select Small Cap ETF (SEIS) and SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEIS achieves a 18.31% return, which is significantly lower than SEEM's 34.03% return.

SEIS

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 5.07%
• YTD: 18.31%
• 6M: 14.78%
• 1Y: 33.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SEEM

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 8.87%
• YTD: 34.03%
• 6M: 36.33%
• 1Y: 62.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEIS vs. SEEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEIS SEI Select Small Cap ETF	18.31%	9.81%	1.42%
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	34.03%	38.16%	-6.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SEIS and SEEM is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2024	0.59

The correlation between SEIS and SEEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEIS vs. SEEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEIS

SEIS Risk / Return Rank: 55
SEIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SEIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SEIS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SEIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SEIS Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SEEM

SEEM Risk / Return Rank: 86
SEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
SEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
SEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 88
SEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
SEEM 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.

SEIS vs. SEEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Select Small Cap ETF (SEIS) and SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM). 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.

	SEIS	SEEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.90	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	3.57	-1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.53	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	4.45	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	17.01	-6.95

SEIS vs. SEEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is lower than the SEEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEIS and SEEM, 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

SEIS vs. SEEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEIS drawdown since its inception was -26.08%, which is greater than SEEM's maximum drawdown of -14.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEIS and SEEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEIS	SEEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.08%	-14.34%	-11.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.18%	-14.01%	+2.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.84%	-2.66%	-3.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.37%	3.66%	-0.29%

Volatility

SEIS vs. SEEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Select Small Cap ETF (SEIS) is 5.70%, while SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) has a volatility of 10.34%. This indicates that SEIS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SEEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEIS	SEEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.70%	10.34%	-4.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.27%	19.24%	-4.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.41%	21.57%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.13%	20.74%	+1.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.13%	20.74%	+1.39%

SEIS vs. SEEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEIS has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than SEEM's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEIS vs. SEEM - Dividend Comparison

SEIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than SEEM's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.37%	3.31%	0.31%
SEIS SEI Select Small Cap ETF	0.36%	0.59%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEIS and SEEM in my portfolio?

SEIS and SEEM have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEIS or SEEM?

SEEM has higher volatility (10.34%) compared to SEIS (5.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEIS dropped -26.08% vs SEEM's -14.34%.

Which ETF is better, SEIS or SEEM?

On 1-year performance, SEEM leads with 62.03% vs 33.83% for SEIS. On fees, SEIS is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, SEIS has been the lower-risk option at 5.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEIS or SEEM?

Over the 1-year period, SEEM has performed better with a 62.03% return vs 33.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEIS or SEEM?

SEIS is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SEEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEIS or SEEM?

SEEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 0.36% for SEIS.

What is the main difference between SEIS and SEEM?

SEIS is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SEEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for SEIS and 0.60% for SEEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SEEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.90 vs 1.75), 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.