XME vs. CUT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

XME (SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF) and CUT (Invesco MSCI Global Timber ETF) are both Materials funds - XME tracks the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index while CUT tracks the Beacon Global Timber Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XME returned 18.64%/yr vs 4.75%/yr for CUT. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XME charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for CUT.

Performance

XME vs. CUT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) and Invesco MSCI Global Timber ETF (CUT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XME achieves a 5.09% return, which is significantly higher than CUT's -3.79% return. Over the past 10 years, XME has outperformed CUT with an annualized return of 18.64%, while CUT has yielded a comparatively lower 4.75% annualized return.

XME

• 1D: 1.42%
• 1M: -11.28%
• YTD: 5.09%
• 6M: 0.94%
• 1Y: 66.55%
• 3Y*: 31.16%
• 5Y*: 21.46%
• 10Y*: 18.64%

CUT

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: -3.79%
• 6M: -3.11%
• 1Y: -5.33%
• 3Y*: 1.76%
• 5Y*: -3.35%
• 10Y*: 4.75%

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

XME vs. CUT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	5.09%	83.47%	-4.54%	21.51%	13.13%	34.92%	15.95%	14.69%	-26.78%	21.17%
CUT Invesco MSCI Global Timber ETF	-3.79%	-5.92%	1.82%	8.65%	-16.38%	12.29%	18.05%	23.35%	-21.70%	30.41%

Correlation

The correlation between XME and CUT is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2007	0.64

Over the past year, the correlation between XME and CUT has dropped to 0.42 - well below their long-term average of 0.64, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XME vs. CUT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XME	CUT
Basic Materials	76.3%	49.4%
Energy	22.5%	-
Technology	2.2%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	0.2%
Industrials	0.4%	5.1%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	41.5%
Financial Services	-	0.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	4.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XME vs. CUT — Risk / Return Rank

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

XME

XME Risk / Return Rank: 59
XME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
XME Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
XME Omega Ratio Rank: 55
XME Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
XME Martin Ratio Rank: 49

CUT

CUT Risk / Return Rank: 7
CUT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
CUT Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
CUT Omega Ratio Rank: 6
CUT Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
CUT Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

XME vs. CUT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) and Invesco MSCI Global Timber ETF (CUT). 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.

	XME	CUT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	-0.28	+2.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	-0.28	+2.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	0.97	+0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	-0.27	+3.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.11	-0.56	+7.66

XME vs. CUT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XME Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the CUT Sharpe Ratio of -0.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XME and CUT, 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

XME vs. CUT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XME drawdown since its inception was -85.89%, which is greater than CUT's maximum drawdown of -70.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XME and CUT.

Drawdown Indicators

	XME	CUT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-85.89%	-70.03%	-15.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.60%	-19.62%	-2.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.47%	-22.23%	-8.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.27%	-30.40%	-6.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.69%	-45.76%	-15.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.08%	-21.53%	+3.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-44.04%	-15.28%	-28.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.39%	9.60%	-0.21%

Volatility

XME vs. CUT - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) has a higher volatility of 13.63% compared to Invesco MSCI Global Timber ETF (CUT) at 5.32%. This indicates that XME's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CUT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XME	CUT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.63%	5.32%	+8.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.38%	14.36%	+14.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.53%	18.94%	+17.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.77%	18.53%	+14.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.92%	20.12%	+12.80%

XME vs. CUT - Expense Ratio Comparison

XME has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than CUT's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

XME vs. CUT - Dividend Comparison

XME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than CUT's 2.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CUT Invesco MSCI Global Timber ETF	2.56%	2.46%	3.05%	2.44%	2.58%	1.57%	1.65%	2.67%	3.43%	1.57%	2.08%	1.52%
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.65%	1.00%	1.64%	0.70%	0.99%	2.43%	2.23%	1.15%	1.02%	2.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XME and CUT in my portfolio?

XME and CUT have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XME or CUT?

XME has higher volatility (13.63%) compared to CUT (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XME dropped -85.89% vs CUT's -70.03%.

Which ETF is better, XME or CUT?

On 10-year performance, XME leads with 18.64% vs 4.75% for CUT. On fees, XME is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CUT 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, XME or CUT?

Over the 10-year period, XME has performed better with a 18.64% return vs 4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XME or CUT?

XME is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for CUT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XME or CUT?

CUT has the higher dividend yield at 2.56%, compared with 0.34% for XME.

What is the main difference between XME and CUT?

XME tracks S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index, while CUT tracks Beacon Global Timber Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XME and 0.55% for CUT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs -0.28), 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.