What do the expense ratios of PICK and XME indicate?

The expense ratios for PICK and XME are 0.39% and 0.35% respectively. These figures represent the annual fees charged by the funds to cover operational costs. The difference between these ratios can significantly impact long-term investment returns as lower fees generally mean higher retained returns over time.

How do inception dates affect ETF comparisons?

The inception date of an ETF can provide insight into its track record. For instance, PICK began trading on 31 January 2012, while XME started on 19 June 2006. Older funds with longer histories might have more predictable performance data, although this does not guarantee future returns.

Why is sector concentration important?

Concentration within a sector refers to how many assets are held in the top positions of an ETF. High concentration increases risk if the sector experiences a downturn, affecting the overall fund's performance. In this comparison, PICK has a lower concentration than XME, reflecting a more diversified portfolio in terms of asset distribution.

How does the expense ratio affect my returns over time?

Lower expense ratios mean more of your investment remains working for you. Over a decade, even small differences in fees (such as the 0.04% difference between PICK and XME) can add up and affect the final value of your investment. A higher expense ratio reduces net returns.

Which ETF is better suited for growth?

XME is often considered more growth-oriented due to its lower dividend yield of 0.32%, indicating that the company retains more capital to reinvest in the business. However, growth suitability should be evaluated alongside personal investment goals and market conditions.

What does the high dividend yield of PICK imply?

PICK's high dividend yield of 2.14% makes it attractive to income-focused investors. Dividend distributions provide regular cash income from the underlying holdings. However, yields can fluctuate based on market conditions and company policies.

How does AUM influence fund liquidity?

A fund's assets under management (AUM) directly affects its liquidity. PICK, with $2.5 billion, has less liquidity compared to XME's $4.4 billion. Larger AUM typically means lower transaction costs, easier trade execution, and more stability.

How can I track these ETFs effectively?

Sector weights and exact index tracking details for both PICK and XME are not available. It's essential to monitor the funds via their issuers' websites or financial news for any updates. Regular performance reviews can help you understand how well they align with your investment strategy.

What tools can help me evaluate ETF performance?

Use financial analysis tools like Yahoo Finance or Bloomberg to track ETF performance. Look at price charts, historical data, and comparative metrics to understand how each fund behaves over different periods. Additionally, checking sector rotation trends and economic indicators can provide context for performance.

How should I approach ETF diversification?

Consider the concentration and overlap of holdings when diversifying across ETFs. In this case, the overlap between PICK and XME (FCX, NUE, STLD, RS) could limit diversification if both funds are chosen. Opt for funds with less correlation to broaden exposure.

What factors should I consider before choosing an ETF?

Key factors include the expense ratio, dividend yield, AUM, and portfolio concentration. Assess your own investment goals (growth vs. income), risk tolerance, and how ETFs align with your overall portfolio to make informed decisions.

What is the educational disclaimer for ETF comparisons?

This comparison is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Before choosing between ETFs, conduct thorough research and consider consulting a financial advisor.

PICK vs XME

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare the iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF and the S&P Metals and Mining SPDR ETF on fees, holdings, dividends, and tracking. PICK charges a 0.39% expense ratio, while XME charges 0.35%. Neither fund’s sector weights or exact index tracking details are currently available. Review these factual differences to understand how each ETF operates. Educational content, not financial advice.

Compare the iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF and the S&P Metals and Mining SPDR ETF on fees, holdings, dividends, and tracking. PICK charges a 0.39% expense ratio, while XME charges 0...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

PICK

Metric

XME

0.39%

Expense Ratio

0.35%

2.14%

Dividend Yield

0.32%

$2.50B

Net Assets

$4.40B

279

Holdings

39

Jan 31, 2012

Inception Date

Jun 19, 2006

–

Index Tracked

–

Natural Resources

Fund Category

Natural Resources

XME costs about $4.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	PICK	XME
FCXFreeport-McMoRan Inc.	6.26%	4.89%
NUENucor Corporation	3.36%	4.86%
STLDSteel Dynamics, Inc.	1.96%	4.94%
RSReliance, Inc.	1.21%	5.03%

Discover More Comparisons

PICK vs REMX

Compare PICK and REMX ETFs. Analyse expense ratios, top holdings, dividend yields, and tracking differences between these two natural resources funds.

XLB vs XME

Compare XLB and XME ETFs. Review 0.08% vs 0.35% fees, dividend yields, top holdings like LIN and CLF, and net assets. Index tracked is not available.

COPX vs XME

Compare COPX and XME on fees, holdings, dividends and tracking. Review data for 0.65% vs 0.35% expense ratios, yields and shared copper miner holdings.

Investment Analysis

PICK

Pros

The expense ratio is modest at 0.39 percent, suitable for a sector fund.
The dividend yield of 2.14 percent provides reasonable income.
AUM of $2.5 billion supports liquidity for retail investors.

Considerations

The top 10 holdings account for 13.9 percent of the fund, which is quite concentrated.
Inception date of 2012 means less track record than older peers.
Lacks sector weight breakdowns, making detailed analysis difficult.

XME

Pros

The expense ratio of 0.35 percent is very competitive for an ETF in this category.
The dividend yield of 0.32 percent indicates strong growth orientation.
At $4.4 billion in assets, it has excellent liquidity for institutional investors.

Considerations

The top 10 holdings constitute 49.1 percent of the fund, resulting in high concentration risk.
The dividend yield of 0.32 percent is low for income-focused investors.
The fund's inception date of June 2006 shows it is an older fund, with limited track record compared to more recent funds.

Related Market Insights

Paper vs Physical: The Smart Way to Play Commodities

Balance commodity price speculation with equity stakes in producers. Diversify exposure to raw materials, hedge inflation, and invest smart with Nemo.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

25 July 2025

Read Insight

Related Market Insights

Paper vs Physical: The Smart Way to Play Commodities

Balance commodity price speculation with equity stakes in producers. Diversify exposure to raw materials, hedge inflation, and invest smart with Nemo.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

25 July 2025

Read Insight

About PICK and XME

PICK (PICK)

iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) is an exchange-traded fund offering investors company-level exposure to listed metals and mining producers worldwide. It aims to track an MSCI index that focuses on firms engaged in metal extraction and mining-related activities. PICK provides diversified access across regions and companies, making it a way to gain exposure to miners without buying individual shares. Performance tends to be closely linked to commodity prices and global economic cycles, so returns can be volatile. Investors should consider company-specific risks (operational, regulatory and geopolitical), currency moves, and sector concentration. Fees, dividend policies and liquidity vary by share class and market; check the fund’s factsheet for up-to-date details. This is general educational information, not personal advice — values can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Assess suitability for your goals and speak to a financial professional if unsure.

XME (XME)

S&P Metals and Mining SPDR ETF (XME) provides targeted exposure to US-listed companies in the metals and mining sector by tracking the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index. The ETF concentrates on firms involved in steel, aluminium, diversified mining, and related equipment and services, making it sensitive to commodity prices, industrial demand and global growth cycles. Investors use XME to express a sector-specific view or to complement broader commodity or materials holdings, but it is typically more volatile than broad-market ETFs because of concentration and cyclical drivers. Important practical considerations include the ETF’s expense ratio, liquidity, holdings concentration and dividend policies. As with any sector play, returns can be uneven and past performance does not predict future results. This summary is educational only and not personal investment advice — suitability depends on individual goals, risk tolerance and time horizon; consult a qualified adviser if unsure.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Paper Vs. Physical

Discover a carefully curated collection of investments that balance commodity price speculation with the companies that bring those resources to market. Our analysts have selected these assets to give you exposure to both sides of the materials economy in one strategic package.

Published: 17 June 2025

Explore Basket