EEM vs XCEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF compared with Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
EEM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
XCEM
Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF
TTM yield · Annual
Quick take
- XCEM yields more today: 2.39% vs 1.02% (forward).
- XCEM has grown its payout faster: 20.5%/yr vs 7.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
- EEM pays twice a year; XCEM pays once a year.
- Over the last year XCEM delivered the higher total return: +56.5% vs +40.3% (price change plus payouts).
- XCEM is cheaper to own: 0.16% vs 0.72% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | EEM | XCEM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $68.83 | $52.28 |
| TTM yield | 1.62% | 2.39% |
| Forward yield | 1.02% | 2.39% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.702 | $1.247 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Annual |
| Next ex-date | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) | Dec 17, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.72% | 0.16% |
| 1-year payout growth | -5.5% | +52.6% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +7.9% | +20.5% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 1 year | 2 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 50/100 | 59/100 |
| 1-year total return | +40.3% | +56.5% |
| 1-year price return | +38.0% | +52.9% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 31.2B | 2.1B |
| Years paying | 22.7 | 10.7 |
| Sector / category | Diversified Emerging Mkts | Diversified Emerging Mkts |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| EEM | XCEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 145.3 | 191.3 |
| Income per year | $102 | $239 |
| Income per month (avg) | $8 | $20 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model EEM · Model XCEM
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEM Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $0.351 | Est. |
| EEM Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $0.351 | Est. |
| XCEM Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $1.247 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
EEMXCEM
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, EEM or XCEM?
XCEM currently has the higher trailing yield: EEM yields 1.62% and XCEM yields 2.39%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do EEM and XCEM pay?
EEM pays twice a year and XCEM pays once a year. EEM's next ex-date is Dec 14, 2026 and XCEM's is Dec 17, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, EEM or XCEM?
XCEM has grown its payout faster: 20.5%/yr vs 7.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is EEM or XCEM better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. EEM and XCEM differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.