DBEF vs. MNA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) and MNA (IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF) are both Hedge Fund funds - DBEF tracks the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index while MNA tracks the IQ Merger Arbitrage Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEF returned 12.12%/yr vs 2.67%/yr for MNA. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DBEF charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for MNA.

Performance

DBEF vs. MNA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEF achieves a 10.25% return, which is significantly higher than MNA's 1.26% return. Over the past 10 years, DBEF has outperformed MNA with an annualized return of 12.12%, while MNA has yielded a comparatively lower 2.67% annualized return.

DBEF

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 4.76%
• YTD: 10.25%
• 6M: 12.54%
• 1Y: 24.51%
• 3Y*: 17.72%
• 5Y*: 13.11%
• 10Y*: 12.12%

MNA

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.17%
• 1Y: 3.69%
• 3Y*: 5.62%
• 5Y*: 1.74%
• 10Y*: 2.67%

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

DBEF vs. MNA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	10.25%	23.16%	13.40%	20.15%	-5.13%	19.60%	2.03%	24.94%	-9.52%	16.74%
MNA IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF	1.26%	8.59%	4.93%	0.18%	-1.61%	-3.24%	2.72%	4.70%	2.13%	5.97%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEF and MNA is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2011	0.33

DBEF vs. MNA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEF	MNA
Financial Services	24.6%	11.4%
Industrials	19.9%	22.3%
Healthcare	10.5%	11.3%
Technology	10.3%	8.3%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	4.4%
Basic Materials	5.9%	10.3%
Communication Services	4.5%	9.2%
Energy	4.1%	-
Utilities	3.9%	15.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	5.1%

Return for Risk

DBEF vs. MNA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEF

DBEF Risk / Return Rank: 57
DBEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DBEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DBEF Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DBEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
DBEF Martin Ratio Rank: 60

MNA

MNA Risk / Return Rank: 32
MNA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
MNA Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
MNA Omega Ratio Rank: 21
MNA Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MNA Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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. MNA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA). 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	MNA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	0.78	+1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	1.17	+1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.14	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	2.65	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.01	6.64	+4.37
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. MNA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is higher than the MNA Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEF and MNA, 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	MNA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.99	0.78	+1.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96	0.35	+0.61
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77	0.41	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.36	+0.19

Drawdowns

DBEF vs. MNA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEF drawdown since its inception was -32.46%, which is greater than MNA's maximum drawdown of -16.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEF and MNA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEF	MNA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.46%	-16.68%	-15.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-1.40%	-8.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.62%	-3.01%	-11.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.95%	-10.45%	-4.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.46%	-16.68%	-15.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-1.06%	+0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.74%	-2.83%	-1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	0.56%	+1.67%

Volatility

DBEF vs. MNA - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) has a higher volatility of 3.99% compared to IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA) at 1.85%. This indicates that DBEF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MNA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEF	MNA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.99%	1.85%	+2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	3.56%	+6.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.37%	4.74%	+7.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.74%	4.99%	+8.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.79%	6.55%	+9.24%

DBEF vs. MNA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEF has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than MNA's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEF vs. MNA - Dividend Comparison

DBEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.03%, while MNA has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	5.03%	5.55%	1.29%	4.46%	15.85%	2.28%	2.41%	3.03%	3.22%	2.98%	2.55%	3.70%
MNA IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.20%	0.00%	0.00%	2.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.21%	0.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEF and MNA in my portfolio?

DBEF and MNA have a correlation of 0.37, 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 MNA?

DBEF has higher volatility (3.99%) compared to MNA (1.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEF dropped -32.46% vs MNA's -16.68%.

Which ETF is better, DBEF or MNA?

On 10-year performance, DBEF leads with 12.12% vs 2.67% for MNA. On fees, DBEF is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, MNA has been the lower-risk option at 1.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEF or MNA?

Over the 10-year period, DBEF has performed better with a 12.12% return vs 2.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEF or MNA?

DBEF is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.77% for MNA.

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

DBEF has the higher dividend yield at 5.03%, compared with 0.00% for MNA.

What is the main difference between DBEF and MNA?

DBEF tracks MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while MNA tracks IQ Merger Arbitrage Index. They also come from different issuers: DWS and New York Life. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for DBEF and 0.77% for MNA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 0.78), 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.