DBEF vs. ADIV

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) and ADIV (SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DBEF is a Hedge Fund fund tracking the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while ADIV is a Asia Pacific Equities fund actively managed by Guinness Atkinson Asset Management. DBEF is passively managed, while ADIV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DBEF returned 12.96%/yr vs 5.91%/yr for ADIV. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DBEF charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for ADIV.

Performance

DBEF vs. ADIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ADIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEF achieves a 9.52% return, which is significantly higher than ADIV's 4.50% return.

DBEF

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 1.44%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 6M: 11.55%
• 1Y: 22.84%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 12.96%
• 10Y*: 12.28%

ADIV

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: -2.41%
• YTD: 4.50%
• 6M: 4.87%
• 1Y: 14.36%
• 3Y*: 15.97%
• 5Y*: 5.91%
• 10Y*: —

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

DBEF vs. ADIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	9.52%	23.16%	13.40%	20.15%	-5.13%	10.53%
ADIV SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF	4.50%	21.86%	14.47%	12.28%	-18.00%	1.50%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEF and ADIV is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2021	0.65

The correlation between DBEF and ADIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

DBEF vs. ADIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEF	ADIV
Financial Services	24.6%	32.4%
Industrials	19.9%	2.4%
Healthcare	10.5%	5.6%
Technology	10.3%	25.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	16.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	4.7%
Basic Materials	5.9%	-
Communication Services	4.5%	2.7%
Energy	4.1%	-
Utilities	3.9%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.9%	7.9%

Return for Risk

DBEF vs. ADIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEF

DBEF Risk / Return Rank: 60
DBEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
DBEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DBEF Omega Ratio Rank: 61
DBEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
DBEF Martin Ratio Rank: 62

ADIV

ADIV Risk / Return Rank: 32
ADIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
ADIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
ADIV Omega Ratio Rank: 31
ADIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
ADIV Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

DBEF vs. ADIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ADIV). 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.

	DBEF	ADIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.04	+0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	1.50	+1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.19	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	1.42	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.24	4.66	+5.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DBEF vs. ADIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the ADIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEF and ADIV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DBEF	ADIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	1.04	+0.78
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95	0.36	+0.59
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.38	+0.17

Drawdowns

DBEF vs. ADIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEF drawdown since its inception was -32.46%, roughly equal to the maximum ADIV drawdown of -31.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEF and ADIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEF	ADIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.46%	-31.55%	-0.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-10.15%	+0.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.62%	-18.53%	+3.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.95%	-31.55%	+16.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.26%	-4.40%	+3.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.73%	-8.44%	+3.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.24%	3.09%	-0.85%

Volatility

DBEF vs. ADIV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) is 3.60%, while SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ADIV) has a volatility of 5.13%. This indicates that DBEF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ADIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEF	ADIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	5.13%	-1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.41%	11.02%	-0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.59%	13.87%	-1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.78%	16.54%	-2.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.81%	16.41%	-0.60%

DBEF vs. ADIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEF has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than ADIV's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEF vs. ADIV - Dividend Comparison

DBEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.07%, more than ADIV's 2.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ADIV SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF	2.88%	2.77%	4.83%	4.55%	2.98%	13.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	5.07%	5.55%	1.29%	4.46%	15.85%	2.28%	2.41%	3.03%	3.22%	2.98%	2.55%	3.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEF and ADIV in my portfolio?

DBEF and ADIV have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DBEF or ADIV?

ADIV has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to DBEF (3.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEF dropped -32.46% vs ADIV's -31.55%.

Which ETF is better, DBEF or ADIV?

On 5-year performance, DBEF leads with 12.96% vs 5.91% for ADIV. On fees, DBEF is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, DBEF has been the lower-risk option at 3.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEF or ADIV?

Over the 5-year period, DBEF has performed better with a 12.96% return vs 5.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEF or ADIV?

DBEF is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for ADIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DBEF or ADIV?

DBEF has the higher dividend yield at 5.07%, compared with 2.88% for ADIV.

What is the main difference between DBEF and ADIV?

DBEF is categorized as Hedge Fund, while ADIV is Asia Pacific Equities. They also come from different issuers: DWS and Guinness Atkinson Asset Management. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for DBEF and 0.78% for ADIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.04), 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.