XLB vs. EEM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index, while EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLB returned 9.85%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for EEM. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLB charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

XLB vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLB achieves a 10.66% return, which is significantly lower than EEM's 20.18% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with XLB having a 9.85% annualized return and EEM not far behind at 9.37%.

XLB

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -3.16%
• YTD: 10.66%
• 6M: 16.01%
• 1Y: 16.06%
• 3Y*: 10.29%
• 5Y*: 5.04%
• 10Y*: 9.85%

EEM

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: -3.22%
• YTD: 20.18%
• 6M: 22.10%
• 1Y: 43.51%
• 3Y*: 20.79%
• 5Y*: 5.98%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

XLB vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	10.66%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	20.18%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	18.22%	-15.31%	37.26%

Correlation

The correlation between XLB and EEM is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 14, 2003	0.69

The correlation between XLB and EEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.52 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLB vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLB	EEM
Basic Materials	87.6%	6.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	8.1%
Industrials	1.5%	6.2%
Communication Services	-	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.7%
Energy	-	3.3%
Financial Services	-	17.5%
Healthcare	-	2.5%
Real Estate	-	0.9%
Technology	-	43.6%
Utilities	-	2.0%

Return for Risk

XLB vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 29
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 27
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 30

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 70
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

XLB vs. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). 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.

	XLB	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	2.07	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	2.66	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.39	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	3.23	-1.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.02	12.20	-8.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XLB vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLB Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is lower than the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLB and EEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XLB	EEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95	2.07	-1.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.31	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.46	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.37	-0.02

Drawdowns

XLB vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLB drawdown since its inception was -59.83%, smaller than the maximum EEM drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLB and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLB	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.83%	-66.43%	+6.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.38%	-13.52%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.17%	-17.29%	-5.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	-37.49%	+12.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.27%	-39.82%	+2.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.41%	-7.13%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.84%	-16.01%	+5.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.00%	3.58%	+0.42%

Volatility

XLB vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is 5.32%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 10.60%. This indicates that XLB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLB	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.32%	10.60%	-5.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.02%	18.87%	-5.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.95%	21.19%	-4.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.96%	19.16%	-0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.66%	20.62%	+0.04%

XLB vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLB has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLB vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

XLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, less than EEM's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.85%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.75%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLB and EEM in my portfolio?

XLB and EEM have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLB or EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (10.60%) compared to XLB (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLB dropped -59.83% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, XLB or EEM?

On 10-year performance, XLB leads with 9.85% vs 9.37% for EEM. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 5.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLB or EEM?

Over the 10-year period, XLB has performed better with a 9.85% return vs 9.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLB or EEM?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLB or EEM?

EEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.85%, compared with 1.75% for XLB.

What is the main difference between XLB and EEM?

XLB is categorized as Materials, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLB and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 0.95), 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.