XLK vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLK returned 25.19%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLK charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

XLK vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLK achieves a 28.52% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, XLK has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 25.19%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

XLK

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 2.95%
• YTD: 28.52%
• 6M: 28.96%
• 1Y: 55.42%
• 3Y*: 30.28%
• 5Y*: 22.02%
• 10Y*: 25.19%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

XLK vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.52%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between XLK and SPEM is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2007	0.67

The correlation between XLK and SPEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (3 years) to 0.70 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLK vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLK	SPEM
Technology	99.7%	32.1%
Energy	0.2%	4.2%
Industrials	0.1%	8.3%
Basic Materials	-	8.0%
Communication Services	-	6.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.6%
Financial Services	-	19.2%
Healthcare	-	3.7%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Utilities	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

XLK vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 76
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 78
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 68

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

XLK vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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.

	XLK	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	1.55	+0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	2.16	+0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.29	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	2.28	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.85	8.16	+2.69

XLK vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLK Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLK and SPEM, 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

XLK vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLK drawdown since its inception was -82.05%, which is greater than SPEM's maximum drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLK and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLK	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.05%	-64.41%	-17.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.92%	-11.36%	-4.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.66%	-17.62%	-8.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.56%	-31.75%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.56%	-36.06%	+2.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.77%	-2.40%	-4.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.93%	-14.73%	-20.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.92%	3.17%	+1.75%

Volatility

XLK vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a higher volatility of 10.86% compared to SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) at 6.87%. This indicates that XLK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLK	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.86%	6.87%	+3.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.92%	14.21%	+4.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.55%	16.67%	+5.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.18%	17.26%	+7.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.64%	18.83%	+5.81%

XLK vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLK has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XLK vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, less than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.41%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLK and SPEM in my portfolio?

XLK and SPEM have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLK or SPEM?

XLK has higher volatility (10.86%) compared to SPEM (6.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLK dropped -82.05% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, XLK or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 25.19% vs 9.63% for SPEM. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, SPEM has been the lower-risk option at 6.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLK or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 25.19% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLK or SPEM?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.11% for SPEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLK or SPEM?

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.41% for XLK.

What is the main difference between XLK and SPEM?

XLK is categorized as Technology Equities, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLK and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 1.55), 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.