XLE vs. EWZ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) and EWZ (iShares MSCI Brazil ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index, while EWZ is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLE returned 9.91%/yr vs 8.29%/yr for EWZ. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLE charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EWZ.

Performance

XLE vs. EWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLE achieves a 29.56% return, which is significantly higher than EWZ's 10.48% return. Over the past 10 years, XLE has outperformed EWZ with an annualized return of 9.91%, while EWZ has yielded a comparatively lower 8.29% annualized return.

XLE

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 6M: 28.37%
• 1Y: 37.19%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

EWZ

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -4.57%
• YTD: 10.48%
• 6M: 9.03%
• 1Y: 31.47%
• 3Y*: 9.47%
• 5Y*: 4.96%
• 10Y*: 8.29%

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

XLE vs. EWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.56%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	10.48%	48.81%	-30.41%	32.62%	12.09%	-17.32%	-20.35%	27.67%	-2.52%	23.62%

Correlation

The correlation between XLE and EWZ is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2000	0.48

Over the past year, the correlation between XLE and EWZ has dropped to 0.04 - well below their long-term average of 0.48, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XLE vs. EWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLE	EWZ
Energy	100.0%	18.5%
Basic Materials	-	13.7%
Communication Services	-	2.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.2%
Financial Services	-	32.7%
Healthcare	-	2.4%
Industrials	-	10.9%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	12.9%

Return for Risk

XLE vs. EWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 61
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

EWZ

EWZ Risk / Return Rank: 38
EWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
EWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
EWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

XLE vs. EWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ). 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.

	XLE	EWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.25	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	1.76	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.22	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.10	1.64	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.63	5.17	+3.46

XLE vs. EWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLE Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is higher than the EWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLE and EWZ, 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

XLE vs. EWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLE drawdown since its inception was -71.26%, smaller than the maximum EWZ drawdown of -77.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLE and EWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLE	EWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.26%	-77.25%	+5.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.05%	-19.27%	+7.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.14%	-31.36%	+11.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-32.24%	+6.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.81%	-56.99%	-9.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.01%	-23.06%	+15.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.97%	-35.93%	+17.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.32%	6.10%	-1.78%

Volatility

XLE vs. EWZ - Volatility Comparison

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) have volatilities of 7.26% and 7.35%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLE	EWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.26%	7.35%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.79%	19.97%	-3.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.57%	25.20%	-4.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.05%	27.70%	-1.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.58%	34.04%	-4.46%

XLE vs. EWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLE has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than EWZ's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLE vs. EWZ - Dividend Comparison

XLE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, less than EWZ's 4.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	4.70%	5.19%	8.91%	5.66%	12.59%	9.87%	1.71%	2.54%	2.89%	1.71%	1.81%	4.08%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLE and EWZ in my portfolio?

XLE and EWZ have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLE or EWZ?

EWZ has higher volatility (7.35%) compared to XLE (7.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLE dropped -71.26% vs EWZ's -77.25%.

Which ETF is better, XLE or EWZ?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.91% vs 8.29% for EWZ. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLE or EWZ?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.91% return vs 8.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLE or EWZ?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLE or EWZ?

EWZ has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 2.59% for XLE.

What is the main difference between XLE and EWZ?

XLE is categorized as Energy Equities, while EWZ is Latin America Equities. XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index, while EWZ tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLE and 0.59% for EWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.25), 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.