AVES vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVES (Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. AVES is actively managed, while XCEM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVES returned 19.21%/yr vs 24.94%/yr for XCEM. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVES charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

AVES vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) 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, AVES achieves a 12.71% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 34.20% return.

AVES

• 1D: -4.26%
• 1M: -0.95%
• YTD: 12.71%
• 6M: 12.82%
• 1Y: 29.26%
• 3Y*: 19.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

AVES vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	12.71%	30.49%	4.50%	16.79%	-16.04%	0.95%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	34.20%	34.05%	0.42%	19.96%	-17.59%	0.88%

Correlation

The correlation between AVES and XCEM is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	0.86

The correlation between AVES and XCEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVES vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVES

AVES Risk / Return Rank: 47
AVES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AVES Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AVES Omega Ratio Rank: 49
AVES Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
AVES Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

AVES vs. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) 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.

	AVES	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.53	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	3.12	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.47	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	4.25	-1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.21	16.39	-8.18

AVES vs. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVES Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is lower than the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVES 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

AVES vs. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVES drawdown since its inception was -27.40%, smaller than the maximum XCEM drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVES and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVES	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.40%	-41.24%	+13.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.90%	-14.46%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.50%	-18.92%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.57%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.18%	-6.33%	+1.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.67%	-8.57%	+0.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.57%	3.74%	-0.17%

Volatility

AVES vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) is 9.99%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 14.01%. This indicates that AVES 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

	AVES	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.99%	14.01%	-4.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.81%	22.56%	-5.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.01%	24.28%	-5.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.36%	18.60%	-1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.36%	19.94%	-2.58%

AVES vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVES has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than XCEM's 0.16% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVES vs. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

AVES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.62%, more than XCEM's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	3.62%	3.17%	4.09%	3.96%	3.70%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	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 AVES and XCEM in my portfolio?

AVES and XCEM have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVES or XCEM?

XCEM has higher volatility (14.01%) compared to AVES (9.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVES dropped -27.40% vs XCEM's -41.24%.

Which ETF is better, AVES or XCEM?

On 3-year performance, XCEM leads with 24.94% vs 19.21% for AVES. On fees, XCEM is cheaper at 0.16% per year. On volatility, AVES has been the lower-risk option at 9.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVES or XCEM?

Over the 3-year period, XCEM has performed better with a 24.94% return vs 19.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVES or XCEM?

XCEM is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for AVES.

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

AVES has the higher dividend yield at 3.62%, compared with 2.42% for XCEM.

What is the main difference between AVES and XCEM?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for AVES and 0.16% for XCEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.55), 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.