XLB vs. EWJ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) and EWJ (iShares MSCI Japan ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index, while EWJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the MSCI Japan Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLB returned 10.54%/yr vs 9.55%/yr for EWJ. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLB charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWJ.

Performance

XLB vs. EWJ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with XLB having a 15.57% return and EWJ slightly lower at 14.83%. Over the past 10 years, XLB has outperformed EWJ with an annualized return of 10.54%, while EWJ has yielded a comparatively lower 9.55% annualized return.

XLB

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 15.57%
• 6M: 16.68%
• 1Y: 20.35%
• 3Y*: 10.88%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

EWJ

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 14.83%
• 6M: 14.50%
• 1Y: 30.65%
• 3Y*: 16.57%
• 5Y*: 8.56%
• 10Y*: 9.55%

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

XLB vs. EWJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	15.57%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	14.83%	25.84%	7.03%	20.29%	-17.72%	1.16%	15.40%	19.34%	-14.10%	24.27%

Correlation

The correlation between XLB and EWJ is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998	0.54

The correlation between XLB and EWJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

XLB vs. EWJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLB	EWJ
Basic Materials	87.6%	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	12.2%
Industrials	1.5%	26.0%
Communication Services	-	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.6%
Energy	-	1.1%
Financial Services	-	17.5%
Healthcare	-	6.3%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Technology	-	19.1%
Utilities	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

XLB vs. EWJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

EWJ

EWJ Risk / Return Rank: 51
EWJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
EWJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EWJ Omega Ratio Rank: 51
EWJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
EWJ Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. EWJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	XLB	EWJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.52	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	2.21	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.28	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.65	2.27	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.05	7.62	-2.57

XLB vs. EWJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLB Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is comparable to the EWJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLB and EWJ, 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

XLB vs. EWJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLB drawdown since its inception was -59.83%, roughly equal to the maximum EWJ drawdown of -60.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLB and EWJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLB	EWJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.83%	-60.93%	+1.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.38%	-13.59%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.17%	-14.68%	-8.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	-33.14%	+8.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.27%	-33.14%	-4.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-1.51%	-0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-21.72%	+10.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	4.04%	0.00%

Volatility

XLB vs. EWJ - Volatility Comparison

Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) has a higher volatility of 7.05% compared to iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) at 6.31%. This indicates that XLB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLB	EWJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.05%	6.31%	+0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.58%	15.96%	-2.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.49%	20.23%	-2.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.06%	18.38%	+0.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.70%	17.33%	+3.37%

XLB vs. EWJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLB has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than EWJ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLB vs. EWJ - Dividend Comparison

XLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.68%, less than EWJ's 3.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWJ iShares MSCI Japan ETF	3.94%	4.52%	2.34%	2.03%	1.23%	2.08%	1.04%	2.03%	1.71%	1.25%	1.95%	1.27%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.68%	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 EWJ in my portfolio?

XLB and EWJ have a correlation of 0.54, 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 EWJ?

XLB has higher volatility (7.05%) compared to EWJ (6.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLB dropped -59.83% vs EWJ's -60.93%.

Which ETF is better, XLB or EWJ?

On 10-year performance, XLB leads with 10.54% vs 9.55% for EWJ. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, EWJ has been the lower-risk option at 6.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLB or EWJ?

Over the 10-year period, XLB has performed better with a 10.54% return vs 9.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLB or EWJ?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EWJ.

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

EWJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.94%, compared with 1.68% for XLB.

What is the main difference between XLB and EWJ?

XLB is categorized as Materials, while EWJ is Japan Equities. XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index, while EWJ tracks MSCI Japan Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLB and 0.49% for EWJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.17), 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.