XCEM vs. EMXF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) and EMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - XCEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index while EMXF tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XCEM returned 11.50%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for EMXF. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.16% expense ratio.

Performance

XCEM vs. EMXF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XCEM achieves a 34.20% return, which is significantly higher than EMXF's 24.26% return.

XCEM

• 1D: -6.33%
• 1M: 4.21%
• YTD: 34.20%
• 6M: 36.41%
• 1Y: 61.17%
• 3Y*: 24.94%
• 5Y*: 11.50%
• 10Y*: 12.62%

EMXF

• 1D: -4.12%
• 1M: 5.10%
• YTD: 24.26%
• 6M: 24.79%
• 1Y: 43.07%
• 3Y*: 21.44%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: —

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

XCEM vs. EMXF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	34.20%	34.05%	0.42%	19.96%	-17.59%	7.87%	20.81%
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	24.26%	29.40%	8.03%	6.63%	-18.99%	4.45%	15.65%

Correlation

The correlation between XCEM and EMXF is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2020	0.79

The correlation between XCEM and EMXF shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (5 years) to 0.93 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XCEM vs. EMXF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XCEM	EMXF
Technology	37.1%	33.4%
Financial Services	22.8%	34.3%
Industrials	9.7%	5.6%
Basic Materials	6.4%	2.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	5.2%
Communication Services	4.2%	8.5%
Energy	3.8%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	2.6%
Healthcare	2.9%	3.6%
Utilities	1.9%	0.6%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.4%

Return for Risk

XCEM vs. EMXF — Risk / Return Rank

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

XCEM

XCEM Risk / Return Rank: 82
XCEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
XCEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
XCEM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
XCEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
XCEM Martin Ratio Rank: 84

EMXF

EMXF Risk / Return Rank: 71
EMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
EMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
EMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 73
EMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EMXF Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

XCEM vs. EMXF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF). 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.

	XCEM	EMXF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	2.13	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.82	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.40	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.25	3.45	+0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.39	12.92	+3.47

XCEM vs. EMXF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XCEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is comparable to the EMXF Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XCEM and EMXF, 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

XCEM vs. EMXF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XCEM drawdown since its inception was -41.24%, which is greater than EMXF's maximum drawdown of -33.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XCEM and EMXF.

Drawdown Indicators

	XCEM	EMXF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.24%	-33.13%	-8.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.46%	-12.53%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.92%	-15.93%	-2.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.57%	-32.89%	+3.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.33%	-4.12%	-2.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.57%	-11.93%	+3.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	3.34%	+0.40%

Volatility

XCEM vs. EMXF - Volatility Comparison

Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a higher volatility of 14.01% compared to iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) at 10.32%. This indicates that XCEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EMXF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XCEM	EMXF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.01%	10.32%	+3.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.56%	18.35%	+4.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.28%	20.37%	+3.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.60%	22.50%	-3.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.94%	21.99%	-2.05%

XCEM vs. EMXF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XCEM and EMXF have an expense ratio of 0.16%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XCEM vs. EMXF - Dividend Comparison

XCEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.42%, less than EMXF's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	2.67%	3.43%	2.92%	2.25%	2.42%	1.87%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	2.42%	3.25%	2.76%	1.22%	2.42%	1.94%	1.63%	2.11%	2.70%	9.56%	1.24%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XCEM and EMXF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, XCEM and EMXF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, XCEM or EMXF?

XCEM has higher volatility (14.01%) compared to EMXF (10.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XCEM dropped -41.24% vs EMXF's -33.13%.

Which ETF is better, XCEM or EMXF?

On 5-year performance, XCEM leads with 11.50% vs 7.11% for EMXF. Both ETFs have the same 0.16% expense ratio. On volatility, EMXF has been the lower-risk option at 10.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XCEM or EMXF?

Over the 5-year period, XCEM has performed better with a 11.50% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XCEM or EMXF?

XCEM and EMXF have the same expense ratio: 0.16% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XCEM or EMXF?

EMXF has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.42% for XCEM.

What is the main difference between XCEM and EMXF?

XCEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index, while EMXF tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: Ameriprise Financial and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.13), 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.