DBEF vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DBEF is a Hedge Fund fund tracking the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEF returned 12.66%/yr vs 9.52%/yr for SPEM. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DBEF charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

DBEF vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEF achieves a 11.20% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 10.36% return. Over the past 10 years, DBEF has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 12.66%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.52% annualized return.

DBEF

• 1D: 2.77%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 12.22%
• 1Y: 25.17%
• 3Y*: 17.96%
• 5Y*: 13.12%
• 10Y*: 12.66%

SPEM

• 1D: 2.36%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 10.36%
• 6M: 11.13%
• 1Y: 24.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.42%
• 10Y*: 9.52%

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

DBEF vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	11.20%	23.16%	13.40%	20.15%	-5.13%	19.60%	2.03%	24.94%	-9.52%	16.74%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	10.36%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEF and SPEM is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2011	0.65

The correlation between DBEF and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

DBEF vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEF	SPEM
Financial Services	24.6%	20.2%
Industrials	19.9%	8.5%
Healthcare	10.5%	4.0%
Technology	10.3%	28.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	10.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	3.9%
Basic Materials	5.9%	8.2%
Communication Services	4.5%	7.2%
Energy	4.1%	4.7%
Utilities	3.9%	2.8%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

DBEF vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEF

DBEF Risk / Return Rank: 72
DBEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DBEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DBEF Omega Ratio Rank: 74
DBEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DBEF Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 53
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.49	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	2.08	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.28	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	2.19	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.29	7.82	+3.47

DBEF vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEF and SPEM, 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. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEF drawdown since its inception was -32.46%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEF and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEF	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.46%	-64.41%	+31.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-11.36%	+1.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.62%	-17.62%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.95%	-31.75%	+16.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.46%	-36.06%	+3.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.24%	+3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.73%	-14.73%	+10.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	3.17%	-0.94%

Volatility

DBEF vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) is 4.63%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.93%. This indicates that DBEF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEF	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.63%	6.93%	-2.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.81%	14.21%	-3.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.90%	16.65%	-3.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.84%	17.26%	-3.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.81%	18.84%	-3.03%

DBEF vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEF has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEF vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

DBEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, more than SPEM's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	4.99%	5.55%	1.29%	4.46%	15.85%	2.28%	2.41%	3.03%	3.22%	2.98%	2.55%	3.70%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.51%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEF and SPEM in my portfolio?

DBEF and SPEM have a correlation of 0.72, 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 SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.93%) compared to DBEF (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEF dropped -32.46% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, DBEF or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, DBEF leads with 12.66% vs 9.52% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, DBEF has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEF or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, DBEF has performed better with a 12.66% return vs 9.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEF or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for DBEF.

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

DBEF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 2.51% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between DBEF and SPEM?

DBEF is categorized as Hedge Fund, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. DBEF tracks MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: DWS and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for DBEF and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.49), 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.