SMIN vs. EMM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SMIN (iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF) and EMM (Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMIN is a India Equities fund tracking the MSCI India Small Cap Index, while EMM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Global X. SMIN is passively managed, while EMM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SMIN returned 8.99%/yr vs 17.86%/yr for EMM. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMIN charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for EMM.

Performance

SMIN vs. EMM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (SMIN) and Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMIN achieves a 0.30% return, which is significantly lower than EMM's 23.11% return.

SMIN

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: 4.52%
• 6M: 3.12%
• YTD: 0.30%
• 1Y: -6.48%
• 3Y*: 8.99%
• 5Y*: 6.72%
• 10Y*: 9.48%

EMM

• 1D: -3.79%
• 1M: -5.07%
• 6M: 18.57%
• YTD: 23.11%
• 1Y: 40.90%
• 3Y*: 17.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMIN vs. EMM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SMIN iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF	0.30%	-6.68%	16.78%	31.47%
EMM Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF	23.11%	30.21%	2.34%	2.99%

Correlation

The correlation between SMIN and EMM is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2023	0.49

The correlation between SMIN and EMM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMIN vs. EMM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMIN

SMIN Risk / Return Rank: 6
SMIN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
SMIN Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
SMIN Omega Ratio Rank: 6
SMIN Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
SMIN Martin Ratio Rank: 6

EMM

EMM Risk / Return Rank: 65
EMM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
EMM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EMM Omega Ratio Rank: 64
EMM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
EMM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

SMIN vs. EMM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (SMIN) and Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM). 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.

	SMIN	EMM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.34	1.62	-1.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.38	2.16	-2.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.31	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.27	2.78	-3.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.58	10.25	-10.83

SMIN vs. EMM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMIN Sharpe Ratio is -0.34, which is lower than the EMM Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMIN and EMM, 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

SMIN vs. EMM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMIN drawdown since its inception was -60.50%, which is greater than EMM's maximum drawdown of -21.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMIN and EMM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMIN	EMM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.50%	-21.99%	-38.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.54%	-14.75%	-9.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.58%	-21.99%	-5.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.50%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.28%	-10.90%	-1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.61%	-4.70%	-9.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.27%	4.00%	+7.27%

Volatility

SMIN vs. EMM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (SMIN) is 5.69%, while Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (EMM) has a volatility of 11.89%. This indicates that SMIN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMIN	EMM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.69%	11.89%	-6.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.96%	23.56%	-7.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.09%	25.44%	-6.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.96%	20.09%	-1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.84%	20.09%	+2.75%

SMIN vs. EMM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMIN has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than EMM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMIN vs. EMM - Dividend Comparison

SMIN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.01%, more than EMM's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMM Global X Emerging Markets ex-China ETF	0.77%	0.90%	0.80%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMIN iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF	2.01%	2.01%	6.84%	0.41%	0.01%	1.27%	1.06%	1.75%	1.68%	0.89%	2.30%	0.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMIN and EMM in my portfolio?

SMIN and EMM have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMIN or EMM?

EMM has higher volatility (11.89%) compared to SMIN (5.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMIN dropped -60.50% vs EMM's -21.99%.

Which ETF is better, SMIN or EMM?

On 3-year performance, EMM leads with 17.86% vs 8.99% for SMIN. On fees, SMIN is cheaper at 0.74% per year. On volatility, SMIN has been the lower-risk option at 5.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMIN or EMM?

Over the 3-year period, EMM has performed better with a 17.86% return vs 8.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMIN or EMM?

SMIN is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for EMM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMIN or EMM?

SMIN has the higher dividend yield at 2.01%, compared with 0.77% for EMM.

What is the main difference between SMIN and EMM?

SMIN is categorized as India Equities, while EMM is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for SMIN and 0.75% for EMM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs -0.34), 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.