AVEM vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVEM (Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. AVEM is actively managed, while XCEM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AVEM returned 9.50%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for XCEM. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVEM charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

AVEM vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVEM achieves a 23.75% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 34.20% return.

AVEM

• 1D: -5.47%
• 1M: 2.36%
• YTD: 23.75%
• 6M: 24.18%
• 1Y: 46.12%
• 3Y*: 24.70%
• 5Y*: 9.50%
• 10Y*: —

XCEM

• 1D: -6.33%
• 1M: 4.21%
• YTD: 34.20%
• 6M: 36.41%
• 1Y: 61.17%
• 3Y*: 24.94%
• 5Y*: 11.50%
• 10Y*: 12.62%

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

AVEM vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	23.75%	34.48%	7.49%	15.30%	-18.15%	5.16%	14.39%	10.40%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	34.20%	34.05%	0.42%	19.96%	-17.59%	7.87%	9.47%	10.51%

Correlation

The correlation between AVEM and XCEM is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 19, 2019	0.90

The correlation between AVEM and XCEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVEM vs. XCEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVEM	XCEM
Technology	39.5%	37.1%
Financial Services	18.6%	22.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	6.3%
Industrials	8.1%	9.7%
Basic Materials	7.3%	6.4%
Communication Services	4.9%	4.2%
Energy	4.3%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	3.0%
Healthcare	2.5%	2.9%
Utilities	2.3%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.5%	1.8%

Return for Risk

AVEM vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVEM

AVEM Risk / Return Rank: 68
AVEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
AVEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
AVEM Omega Ratio Rank: 70
AVEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
AVEM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

XCEM

XCEM Risk / Return Rank: 82
XCEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
XCEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
XCEM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
XCEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
XCEM Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

AVEM vs. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). 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.

	AVEM	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.53	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.12	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.47	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	4.25	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.36	16.39	-3.03

AVEM vs. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVEM and XCEM, 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

AVEM vs. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVEM drawdown since its inception was -36.05%, smaller than the maximum XCEM drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVEM and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVEM	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.05%	-41.24%	+5.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.13%	-14.46%	+1.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.02%	-18.92%	+0.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.88%	-29.57%	-4.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.47%	-6.33%	+0.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.04%	-8.57%	-1.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	3.74%	-0.28%

Volatility

AVEM vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) is 12.55%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 14.01%. This indicates that AVEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XCEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVEM	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.55%	14.01%	-1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.07%	22.56%	-2.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.23%	24.28%	-2.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.99%	18.60%	+0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	19.94%	+0.97%

AVEM vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVEM has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than XCEM's 0.16% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVEM vs. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

AVEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, more than XCEM's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVEM Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.62%	2.45%	3.17%	3.06%	2.77%	2.61%	1.60%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	2.42%	3.25%	2.76%	1.22%	2.42%	1.94%	1.63%	2.11%	2.70%	9.56%	1.24%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVEM and XCEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, AVEM and XCEM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AVEM or XCEM?

XCEM has higher volatility (14.01%) compared to AVEM (12.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVEM dropped -36.05% vs XCEM's -41.24%.

Which ETF is better, AVEM or XCEM?

On 5-year performance, XCEM leads with 11.50% vs 9.50% for AVEM. On fees, XCEM is cheaper at 0.16% per year. On volatility, AVEM has been the lower-risk option at 12.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVEM or XCEM?

Over the 5-year period, XCEM has performed better with a 11.50% return vs 9.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVEM or XCEM?

XCEM is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for AVEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVEM or XCEM?

AVEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.42% for XCEM.

What is the main difference between AVEM and XCEM?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for AVEM and 0.16% for XCEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.09), 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.