DBEF vs. DBEU

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) and DBEU (Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DBEF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while DBEU is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Europe US Dollar Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEF returned 12.71%/yr vs 11.65%/yr for DBEU. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DBEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for DBEU.

Performance

DBEF vs. DBEU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEF achieves a 13.70% return, which is significantly higher than DBEU's 11.52% return. Over the past 10 years, DBEF has outperformed DBEU with an annualized return of 12.71%, while DBEU has yielded a comparatively lower 11.65% annualized return.

DBEF

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 13.70%
• 6M: 13.98%
• 1Y: 30.38%
• 3Y*: 18.31%
• 5Y*: 13.92%
• 10Y*: 12.71%

DBEU

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 11.52%
• 6M: 11.99%
• 1Y: 24.80%
• 3Y*: 15.75%
• 5Y*: 11.96%
• 10Y*: 11.65%

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

DBEF vs. DBEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	13.70%	23.16%	13.40%	20.15%	-5.13%	19.60%	2.03%	24.94%	-9.52%	16.74%
DBEU Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity Fund	11.52%	22.18%	9.17%	17.43%	-6.25%	23.99%	-1.42%	27.32%	-8.49%	14.60%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEF and DBEU is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2013	0.94

The correlation between DBEF and DBEU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

DBEF vs. DBEU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEF	DBEU
Financial Services	24.3%	23.3%
Industrials	19.5%	19.7%
Technology	11.6%	9.6%
Healthcare	10.2%	12.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.6%	8.5%
Basic Materials	6.3%	5.6%
Communication Services	4.8%	3.7%
Utilities	3.7%	4.7%
Energy	3.7%	4.9%
Real Estate	1.7%	0.7%

Return for Risk

DBEF vs. DBEU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEF

DBEF Risk / Return Rank: 74
DBEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DBEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DBEF Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DBEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
DBEF Martin Ratio Rank: 74

DBEU

DBEU Risk / Return Rank: 57
DBEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DBEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DBEU Omega Ratio Rank: 56
DBEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DBEU Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. DBEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity Fund (DBEU). 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.

	DBEF	DBEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	1.85	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	2.61	+0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.33	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	2.45	+0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.19	9.99	+3.20

DBEF vs. DBEU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEF Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is comparable to the DBEU Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEF and DBEU, 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

DBEF vs. DBEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEF drawdown since its inception was -32.46%, smaller than the maximum DBEU drawdown of -34.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEF and DBEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEF	DBEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.46%	-34.50%	+2.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-9.81%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.62%	-15.35%	+0.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.95%	-17.67%	+2.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.46%	-34.50%	+2.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.72%	-4.43%	-0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	2.40%	-0.18%

Volatility

DBEF vs. DBEU - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity Fund (DBEU) have volatilities of 4.34% and 4.20%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEF	DBEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	4.20%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.80%	10.93%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.85%	13.01%	-0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.83%	14.38%	-0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.80%	16.45%	-0.65%

DBEF vs. DBEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than DBEU's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEF vs. DBEU - Dividend Comparison

DBEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.88%, more than DBEU's 4.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	2.29%	5.55%	1.29%	4.46%	15.85%	2.28%	2.41%	3.03%	3.22%	2.98%	2.55%	3.70%
DBEU Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity Fund	1.42%	4.55%	0.07%	3.64%	1.96%	1.87%	2.44%	2.77%	3.55%	2.28%	9.92%	5.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEF and DBEU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DBEF and DBEU 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, DBEF or DBEU?

DBEF has higher volatility (4.34%) compared to DBEU (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEF dropped -32.46% vs DBEU's -34.50%.

Which ETF is better, DBEF or DBEU?

On 10-year performance, DBEF leads with 12.71% vs 11.65% for DBEU. On fees, DBEF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, DBEU has been the lower-risk option at 4.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEF or DBEU?

Over the 10-year period, DBEF has performed better with a 12.71% return vs 11.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEF or DBEU?

DBEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for DBEU.

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

DBEF has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 1.42% for DBEU.

What is the main difference between DBEF and DBEU?

DBEF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while DBEU is Europe Equities. DBEF tracks MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while DBEU tracks MSCI Europe US Dollar Hedged Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for DBEF and 0.45% for DBEU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.85), 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.