DBEM vs. DBAW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DBEM (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF) and DBAW (Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DBEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index, while DBAW is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI ex USA US Dollar Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEM returned 10.69%/yr vs 11.99%/yr for DBAW. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DBEM charges 0.66%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for DBAW.

Performance

DBEM vs. DBAW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) and Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF (DBAW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEM achieves a 27.92% return, which is significantly higher than DBAW's 16.14% return. Over the past 10 years, DBEM has underperformed DBAW with an annualized return of 10.69%, while DBAW has yielded a comparatively higher 11.99% annualized return.

DBEM

• 1D: -5.21%
• 1M: 2.97%
• YTD: 27.92%
• 6M: 28.44%
• 1Y: 54.61%
• 3Y*: 24.78%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: 10.69%

DBAW

• 1D: -2.70%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: 16.14%
• 6M: 16.41%
• 1Y: 35.60%
• 3Y*: 21.48%
• 5Y*: 11.25%
• 10Y*: 11.99%

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

DBEM vs. DBAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	27.92%	30.42%	10.61%	10.53%	-17.00%	-2.26%	18.12%	16.77%	-10.81%	27.10%
DBAW Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF	16.14%	26.47%	14.35%	16.26%	-13.35%	13.08%	7.44%	22.96%	-10.38%	18.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEM and DBAW is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2014	0.78

The correlation between DBEM and DBAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

DBEM vs. DBAW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEM	DBAW
Technology	43.6%	22.4%
Financial Services	17.9%	23.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	7.6%
Industrials	6.7%	14.3%
Communication Services	6.1%	4.9%
Basic Materials	6.0%	6.9%
Energy	3.5%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	5.0%
Healthcare	2.5%	6.8%
Utilities	1.8%	2.9%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.4%

Return for Risk

DBEM vs. DBAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEM

DBEM Risk / Return Rank: 87
DBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
DBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
DBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 90

DBAW

DBAW Risk / Return Rank: 83
DBAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DBAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DBAW Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DBAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DBAW Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

DBEM vs. DBAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) and Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF (DBAW). 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.

	DBEM	DBAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	2.55	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	3.41	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.49	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.22	3.98	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.15	16.14	+3.01

DBEM vs. DBAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is comparable to the DBAW Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEM and DBAW, 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

DBEM vs. DBAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEM drawdown since its inception was -33.51%, which is greater than DBAW's maximum drawdown of -31.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEM and DBAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEM	DBAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.51%	-31.44%	-2.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-9.00%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.12%	-14.11%	-1.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.48%	-17.87%	-12.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.51%	-31.44%	-2.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.21%	-2.70%	-2.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.66%	-4.98%	-6.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.21%	+0.65%

Volatility

DBEM vs. DBAW - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) has a higher volatility of 11.58% compared to Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF (DBAW) at 6.39%. This indicates that DBEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DBAW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEM	DBAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.58%	6.39%	+5.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.66%	12.35%	+6.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.69%	14.01%	+6.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.70%	13.97%	+3.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.39%	15.21%	+2.18%

DBEM vs. DBAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEM has a 0.66% expense ratio, which is higher than DBAW's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEM vs. DBAW - Dividend Comparison

DBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, more than DBAW's 1.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBAW Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF	1.69%	3.83%	1.70%	3.45%	8.81%	2.05%	2.08%	2.91%	2.93%	2.41%	1.99%	5.74%
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	2.06%	1.84%	2.48%	2.55%	2.65%	1.77%	1.74%	2.59%	2.85%	1.51%	1.59%	3.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEM and DBAW in my portfolio?

DBEM and DBAW have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DBEM or DBAW?

DBEM has higher volatility (11.58%) compared to DBAW (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEM dropped -33.51% vs DBAW's -31.44%.

Which ETF is better, DBEM or DBAW?

On 10-year performance, DBAW leads with 11.99% vs 10.69% for DBEM. On fees, DBAW is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, DBAW has been the lower-risk option at 6.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEM or DBAW?

Over the 10-year period, DBAW has performed better with a 11.99% return vs 10.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEM or DBAW?

DBAW is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for DBEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DBEM or DBAW?

DBEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.06%, compared with 1.69% for DBAW.

What is the main difference between DBEM and DBAW?

DBEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while DBAW is Foreign Large Cap Equities. DBEM tracks MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index, while DBAW tracks MSCI ACWI ex USA US Dollar Hedged Index. Their fees differ too: 0.66% for DBEM and 0.41% for DBAW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 2.55), 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.