DBEF vs. XMHQ

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) and XMHQ (Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DBEF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while XMHQ is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Quality Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEF returned 12.22%/yr vs 12.52%/yr for XMHQ. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DBEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for XMHQ.

Performance

DBEF vs. XMHQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEF achieves a 13.76% return, which is significantly higher than XMHQ's 10.45% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DBEF having a 12.22% annualized return and XMHQ not far ahead at 12.52%.

DBEF

• 1D: 1.24%
• 1M: 0.05%
• 6M: 10.88%
• YTD: 13.76%
• 1Y: 27.46%
• 3Y*: 18.38%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: 12.22%
• ALL TIME*: 10.36%

XMHQ

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: 5.68%
• YTD: 10.45%
• 1Y: 14.80%
• 3Y*: 13.23%
• 5Y*: 10.27%
• 10Y*: 12.52%
• ALL TIME*: 9.39%

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

DBEF vs. XMHQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	13.76%	23.16%	13.40%	20.15%	-5.13%	19.60%	2.03%	24.94%	-9.52%	16.74%
XMHQ Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF	10.45%	4.71%	16.79%	29.51%	-12.42%	20.98%	26.61%	27.18%	-9.08%	15.64%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEF and XMHQ is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2011	0.64

The correlation between DBEF and XMHQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (all time) to 0.74 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DBEF vs. XMHQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEF	XMHQ
Financial Services	24.8%	15.1%
Industrials	19.0%	30.2%
Technology	12.7%	18.5%
Healthcare	10.4%	16.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	1.1%
Basic Materials	5.8%	1.5%
Communication Services	4.4%	1.4%
Utilities	3.8%	2.2%
Energy	3.3%	6.9%
Real Estate	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

DBEF vs. XMHQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEF

DBEF Risk / Return Rank: 84
DBEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
DBEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
DBEF Omega Ratio Rank: 85
DBEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DBEF Martin Ratio Rank: 84

XMHQ

XMHQ Risk / Return Rank: 38
XMHQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
XMHQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XMHQ Omega Ratio Rank: 32
XMHQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
XMHQ Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. XMHQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ). 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	XMHQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	0.95	+1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	1.49	+1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.17	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	1.68	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.22	4.89	+7.33

DBEF vs. XMHQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEF Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is higher than the XMHQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEF and XMHQ, 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. XMHQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEF drawdown since its inception was -32.46%, smaller than the maximum XMHQ drawdown of -58.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEF and XMHQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEF	XMHQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.46%	-58.19%	+25.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-8.85%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.62%	-24.56%	+9.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.95%	-25.47%	+10.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.46%	-36.90%	+4.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-1.64%	+0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.70%	-9.23%	+4.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.25%	3.03%	-0.78%

Volatility

DBEF vs. XMHQ - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) has a higher volatility of 3.65% compared to Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ) at 3.22%. This indicates that DBEF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XMHQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEF	XMHQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.65%	3.22%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.13%	11.23%	-0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.08%	15.61%	-2.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.81%	20.60%	-6.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.58%	20.63%	-5.05%

DBEF vs. XMHQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XMHQ's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEF vs. XMHQ - Dividend Comparison

DBEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, more than XMHQ's 0.57% 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%
XMHQ Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF	0.57%	0.64%	5.20%	0.73%	1.72%	1.00%	1.12%	1.22%	1.59%	1.06%	1.63%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEF and XMHQ in my portfolio?

DBEF and XMHQ have a correlation of 0.68, 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 XMHQ?

DBEF has higher volatility (3.65%) compared to XMHQ (3.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEF dropped -32.46% vs XMHQ's -58.19%.

Which ETF is better, DBEF or XMHQ?

On 10-year performance, XMHQ leads with 12.52% vs 12.22% for DBEF. On fees, XMHQ is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, XMHQ has been the lower-risk option at 3.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEF or XMHQ?

Over the 10-year period, XMHQ has performed better with a 12.52% return vs 12.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEF or XMHQ?

XMHQ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for DBEF.

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

DBEF has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 0.57% for XMHQ.

What is the main difference between DBEF and XMHQ?

DBEF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while XMHQ is Mid Cap Blend Equities. DBEF tracks MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while XMHQ tracks S&P MidCap 400 Quality Index. They also come from different issuers: DWS and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for DBEF and 0.25% for XMHQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 0.95), 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.