SPEM vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SPEM returned 5.60%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPEM charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

SPEM vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPEM achieves a 11.32% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -4.85% return.

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.66%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 10.19%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

SPEM vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-9.21%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between SPEM and XLC is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.58

The correlation between SPEM and XLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.58 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SPEM vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPEM	XLC
Technology	32.1%	4.7%
Financial Services	19.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	-
Industrials	8.3%	-
Basic Materials	8.0%	-
Communication Services	6.7%	95.1%
Energy	4.2%	-
Healthcare	3.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	-
Utilities	2.8%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

SPEM vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

SPEM vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

	SPEM	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	0.69	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	1.08	+1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.12	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	0.86	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.16	2.73	+5.43

SPEM vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPEM and XLC, 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

SPEM vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPEM drawdown since its inception was -64.41%, which is greater than XLC's maximum drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPEM and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPEM	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.41%	-46.65%	-17.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-10.57%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.62%	-17.97%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.75%	-46.65%	+14.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.06%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.40%	-6.72%	+4.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.73%	-10.58%	-4.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.33%	-0.16%

Volatility

SPEM vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a higher volatility of 6.87% compared to Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) at 3.57%. This indicates that SPEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPEM	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.87%	3.57%	+3.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.21%	9.65%	+4.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.67%	13.28%	+3.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.26%	20.68%	-3.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.83%	22.17%	-3.34%

SPEM vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPEM has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SPEM vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

SPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, more than XLC's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPEM and XLC in my portfolio?

SPEM and XLC have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPEM or XLC?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to XLC (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPEM dropped -64.41% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, SPEM or XLC?

On 5-year performance, XLC leads with 8.03% vs 5.60% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, XLC has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPEM or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, XLC has performed better with a 8.03% return vs 5.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPEM or XLC?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPEM or XLC?

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 1.25% for XLC.

What is the main difference between SPEM and XLC?

SPEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while XLC is Communications Equities. SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SPEM and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.69), 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.