XLRE vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLRE is a REIT fund tracking the Real Estate Select Sector 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, XLRE returned 7.15%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLRE charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

XLRE vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) 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, XLRE achieves a 13.17% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, XLRE has underperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 7.15%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively higher 9.63% annualized return.

XLRE

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 11.15%
• 3Y*: 10.41%
• 5Y*: 3.32%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 25.79%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

XLRE vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	13.17%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	-26.25%	46.10%	-2.18%	28.68%	-2.39%	10.69%
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 XLRE and SPEM is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2015	0.38

The correlation between XLRE and SPEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (1 year) to 0.38 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLRE vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLRE	SPEM
Real Estate	98.0%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.9%	8.2%
Communication Services	-	7.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.9%
Energy	-	4.7%
Financial Services	-	20.2%
Healthcare	-	4.0%
Industrials	-	8.5%
Technology	-	28.2%
Utilities	-	2.8%

Return for Risk

XLRE vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
XLRE Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

XLRE vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) 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.

	XLRE	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	1.55	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.18	2.16	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.29	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	2.28	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.69	8.16	-4.47

XLRE vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is lower than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLRE 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

XLRE vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLRE drawdown since its inception was -38.83%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLRE and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLRE	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.83%	-64.41%	+25.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-11.36%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.74%	-17.62%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.12%	-31.75%	-2.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.83%	-36.06%	-2.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.40%	+2.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.58%	-14.73%	+5.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	3.17%	-0.14%

Volatility

XLRE vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) is 4.81%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.87%. This indicates that XLRE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLRE	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	6.87%	-2.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	14.21%	-4.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.83%	16.67%	-2.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.10%	17.26%	+1.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.42%	18.83%	+1.59%

XLRE vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLRE has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XLRE vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

XLRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, more 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%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.08%	3.45%	3.43%	3.31%	3.70%	2.61%	3.15%	3.06%	3.78%	3.25%	4.22%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLRE and SPEM in my portfolio?

XLRE and SPEM have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLRE or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to XLRE (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLRE dropped -38.83% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, XLRE or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, SPEM leads with 9.63% vs 7.15% for XLRE. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, XLRE has been the lower-risk option at 4.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLRE or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, SPEM has performed better with a 9.63% return vs 7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLRE or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLRE.

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

XLRE has the higher dividend yield at 3.08%, compared with 2.49% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between XLRE and SPEM?

XLRE is categorized as REIT, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. XLRE tracks Real Estate Select Sector Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLRE and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.81), 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.