STXE vs. STXK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STXE (Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and STXK (Strive Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STXE is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while STXK is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg US 600 Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, STXE returned 28.56%/yr vs 15.58%/yr for STXK. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STXE charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for STXK.

Performance

STXE vs. STXK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) and Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STXE achieves a 44.03% return, which is significantly higher than STXK's 13.83% return.

STXE

• 1D: -6.43%
• 1M: 6.24%
• YTD: 44.03%
• 6M: 45.98%
• 1Y: 75.87%
• 3Y*: 28.56%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STXK

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 13.83%
• 6M: 11.68%
• 1Y: 28.22%
• 3Y*: 15.58%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STXE vs. STXK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	44.03%	34.23%	2.09%	12.38%
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	13.83%	7.82%	9.47%	11.55%

Correlation

The correlation between STXE and STXK is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2023	0.58

The correlation between STXE and STXK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STXE vs. STXK — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXE

STXE Risk / Return Rank: 89
STXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
STXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
STXE Omega Ratio Rank: 89
STXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
STXE Martin Ratio Rank: 91

STXK

STXK Risk / Return Rank: 56
STXK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
STXK Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
STXK Omega Ratio Rank: 49
STXK Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
STXK Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

STXE vs. STXK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) and Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK). 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.

	STXE	STXK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.86	1.67	+1.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.40	2.46	+0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.29	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.26	2.89	+2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.32	10.00	+10.32

STXE vs. STXK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXE Sharpe Ratio is 2.86, which is higher than the STXK Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXE and STXK, 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

STXE vs. STXK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXE drawdown since its inception was -18.92%, smaller than the maximum STXK drawdown of -27.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXE and STXK.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXE	STXK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.92%	-27.12%	+8.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.51%	-9.81%	-4.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.92%	-27.12%	+8.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.43%	-0.28%	-6.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-5.53%	+1.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	2.83%	+0.91%

Volatility

STXE vs. STXK - Volatility Comparison

Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) has a higher volatility of 15.52% compared to Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) at 4.54%. This indicates that STXE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than STXK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXE	STXK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.52%	4.54%	+10.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.95%	11.87%	+13.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.68%	16.98%	+9.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.08%	20.10%	-1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.08%	20.10%	-1.02%

STXE vs. STXK - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXE has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is higher than STXK's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXE vs. STXK - Dividend Comparison

STXE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, more than STXK's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.87%	2.66%	3.22%	1.08%	0.00%
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	1.35%	1.29%	1.64%	1.14%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXE and STXK in my portfolio?

STXE and STXK have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STXE or STXK?

STXE has higher volatility (15.52%) compared to STXK (4.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXE dropped -18.92% vs STXK's -27.12%.

Which ETF is better, STXE or STXK?

On 3-year performance, STXE leads with 28.56% vs 15.58% for STXK. On fees, STXK is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, STXK has been the lower-risk option at 4.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXE or STXK?

Over the 3-year period, STXE has performed better with a 28.56% return vs 15.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXE or STXK?

STXK is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for STXE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STXE or STXK?

STXE has the higher dividend yield at 1.87%, compared with 1.35% for STXK.

What is the main difference between STXE and STXK?

STXE is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while STXK is Small Cap Blend Equities. STXE tracks Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while STXK tracks Bloomberg US 600 Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for STXE and 0.18% for STXK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.86 vs 1.67), 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.