DBEM vs. RWEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DBEM (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF) and RWEM (Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - DBEM tracks the MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index while RWEM tracks the FT Wilshire Emerging Large NxtGen Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DBEM returned 21.35%/yr vs 18.77%/yr for RWEM. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DBEM charges 0.66%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RWEM.

Performance

DBEM vs. RWEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEM achieves a 22.75% return, which is significantly higher than RWEM's 15.40% return.

DBEM

• 1D: -3.04%
• 1M: -4.10%
• 6M: 15.35%
• YTD: 22.75%
• 1Y: 43.79%
• 3Y*: 21.35%
• 5Y*: 8.60%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

RWEM

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -5.12%
• 6M: 12.23%
• YTD: 15.40%
• 1Y: 32.08%
• 3Y*: 18.77%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DBEM vs. RWEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	22.75%	30.42%	10.61%	10.53%	-17.00%	0.90%
RWEM Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF	15.40%	28.17%	7.24%	21.56%	-20.11%	0.16%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEM and RWEM is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2021	0.69

Over the past year, the correlation between DBEM and RWEM has dropped to 0.46 - well below their long-term average of 0.69, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

DBEM vs. RWEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEM	RWEM
Technology	43.6%	43.8%
Financial Services	17.9%	15.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	4.5%
Industrials	6.7%	5.9%
Communication Services	6.1%	4.4%
Basic Materials	6.0%	3.5%
Energy	3.5%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	1.0%
Healthcare	2.5%	1.9%
Utilities	1.8%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.0%	0.1%

Return for Risk

DBEM vs. RWEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEM

DBEM Risk / Return Rank: 82
DBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
DBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
DBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
DBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 85

RWEM

RWEM Risk / Return Rank: 39
RWEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
RWEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
RWEM Omega Ratio Rank: 34
RWEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
RWEM Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. RWEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) and Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF (RWEM). 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	RWEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	0.90	+1.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	1.41	+1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.19	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.19	2.09	+2.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.77	6.07	+7.70

DBEM vs. RWEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is higher than the RWEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEM and RWEM, 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. RWEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEM drawdown since its inception was -33.51%, which is greater than RWEM's maximum drawdown of -26.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEM and RWEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEM	RWEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.51%	-26.92%	-6.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-15.39%	+4.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.12%	-22.56%	+7.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.51%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.04%	-10.88%	+1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.64%	-9.56%	-2.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.19%	5.30%	-2.11%

Volatility

DBEM vs. RWEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) is 10.57%, while Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF (RWEM) has a volatility of 11.88%. This indicates that DBEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RWEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEM	RWEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.57%	11.88%	-1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.54%	30.02%	-10.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.53%	35.98%	-14.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.87%	22.56%	-4.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.46%	22.56%	-5.10%

DBEM vs. RWEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEM has a 0.66% expense ratio, which is higher than RWEM's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEM vs. RWEM - Dividend Comparison

DBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.15%, more than RWEM's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	2.15%	1.84%	2.48%	2.55%	2.65%	1.77%	1.74%	2.59%	2.85%	1.51%	1.59%	3.49%
RWEM Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.86%	2.15%	3.59%	1.60%	5.59%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEM and RWEM in my portfolio?

DBEM and RWEM have a correlation of 0.46, 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 RWEM?

RWEM has higher volatility (11.88%) compared to DBEM (10.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEM dropped -33.51% vs RWEM's -26.92%.

Which ETF is better, DBEM or RWEM?

On 3-year performance, DBEM leads with 21.35% vs 18.77% for RWEM. On fees, RWEM is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, DBEM has been the lower-risk option at 10.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEM or RWEM?

Over the 3-year period, DBEM has performed better with a 21.35% return vs 18.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEM or RWEM?

RWEM is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for DBEM.

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

DBEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 1.86% for RWEM.

What is the main difference between DBEM and RWEM?

DBEM tracks MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index, while RWEM tracks FT Wilshire Emerging Large NxtGen Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and Rayliant. Their fees differ too: 0.66% for DBEM and 0.52% for RWEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 0.90), 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.