XJR vs. ESIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XJR (iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF) and ESIX (SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - XJR tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Sustainability Screened Index while ESIX tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 ESG Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.12% expense ratio.

Performance

XJR vs. ESIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) and SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

XJR

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 19.44%
• 6M: 17.14%
• 1Y: 32.21%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: 6.15%
• 10Y*: —

ESIX

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XJR vs. ESIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	19.44%	4.73%	9.59%	16.39%	-15.68%
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	10.83%	1.83%	9.66%	17.51%	-13.44%

Correlation

The correlation between XJR and ESIX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2022	0.97

The correlation between XJR and ESIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

XJR vs. ESIX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XJR	ESIX
Financial Services	18.2%	17.0%
Technology	16.8%	16.6%
Industrials	15.5%	17.2%
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	12.4%
Healthcare	10.7%	10.8%
Real Estate	7.6%	6.9%
Energy	4.7%	6.7%
Basic Materials	4.5%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	3.0%
Communication Services	2.5%	2.9%
Utilities	2.0%	2.0%

Return for Risk

XJR vs. ESIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

XJR

XJR Risk / Return Rank: 61
XJR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
XJR Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XJR Omega Ratio Rank: 53
XJR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
XJR Martin Ratio Rank: 65

ESIX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

XJR vs. ESIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) and SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX). 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.

	XJR	ESIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	XJR	ESIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.39%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XJR	ESIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.61%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.44%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.70%	—	—

XJR vs. ESIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XJR and ESIX have an expense ratio of 0.12%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XJR vs. ESIX - Dividend Comparison

XJR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, less than ESIX's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	1.05%	1.64%	1.65%	1.69%	1.54%	0.00%	0.00%
XJR iShares ESG Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF	0.96%	1.14%	1.96%	0.92%	1.29%	2.00%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XJR and ESIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, XJR and ESIX 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 ETF is better, XJR or ESIX?

Both ETFs have the same 0.12% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XJR or ESIX?

XJR and ESIX have the same expense ratio: 0.12% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XJR or ESIX?

ESIX has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.96% for XJR.

What is the main difference between XJR and ESIX?

XJR tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Sustainability Screened Index, while ESIX tracks S&P SmallCap 600 ESG Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street.