PortfoliosLab logoPortfoliosLab logo

Documentation

Upgrade your plan
DBEM vs. URTH
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

DBEM vs. URTH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DBEM (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF) and URTH (iShares MSCI World ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DBEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index, while URTH is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI World Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEM returned 11.28%/yr vs 13.61%/yr for URTH. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DBEM charges 0.66%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for URTH.

Performance

DBEM vs. URTH - Performance Comparison

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

Loading charts...

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEM achieves a 34.95% return, which is significantly higher than URTH's 9.66% return. Over the past 10 years, DBEM has underperformed URTH with an annualized return of 11.28%, while URTH has yielded a comparatively higher 13.61% annualized return.

DBEM

1D
0.66%
1M
8.63%
YTD
34.95%
6M
36.36%
1Y
63.96%
3Y*
27.03%
5Y*
10.52%
10Y*
11.28%

URTH

1D
-0.18%
1M
0.58%
YTD
9.66%
6M
9.36%
1Y
25.98%
3Y*
20.26%
5Y*
11.79%
10Y*
13.61%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DBEM vs. URTH - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
DBEM
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF		34.95%30.42%10.61%10.53%-17.00%-2.26%18.12%16.77%-10.81%27.10%
URTH
iShares MSCI World ETF		9.66%21.36%18.66%23.95%-17.97%22.27%15.78%28.15%-8.56%22.95%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEM and URTH is 0.73, 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

0.73

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.68

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.68

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.70

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2012

0.63

The correlation between DBEM and URTH shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (all time) to 0.73 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DBEM vs. URTH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors
DBEM
URTH

Technology

43.6%
32.8%

Financial Services

17.9%
15.8%

Consumer Cyclical

8.4%
8.5%

Industrials

6.7%
10.0%

Communication Services

6.1%
8.6%

Basic Materials

6.0%
2.8%

Energy

3.5%
3.7%

Consumer Defensive

2.5%
4.7%

Healthcare

2.5%
8.6%

Utilities

1.8%
2.6%

Real Estate

1.0%
1.2%

Technology

DBEM
43.6%
URTH
32.8%

Financial Services

DBEM
17.9%
URTH
15.8%

Consumer Cyclical

DBEM
8.4%
URTH
8.5%

Industrials

DBEM
6.7%
URTH
10.0%

Communication Services

DBEM
6.1%
URTH
8.6%

Basic Materials

DBEM
6.0%
URTH
2.8%

Energy

DBEM
3.5%
URTH
3.7%

Consumer Defensive

DBEM
2.5%
URTH
4.7%

Healthcare

DBEM
2.5%
URTH
8.6%

Utilities

DBEM
1.8%
URTH
2.6%

Real Estate

DBEM
1.0%
URTH
1.2%

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF

iShares MSCI World ETF

Often compared with DBEM:
DBEM vs. ECLNDBEM vs. FEMKXDBEM vs. SPEMDBEM vs. VWODBEM vs. IEFADBEM vs. ESGEDBEM vs. SLVP
Often compared with URTH:
URTH vs. VTURTH vs. IWDA.LURTH vs. SPYURTH vs. VOOURTH vs. XWD.TOURTH vs. BRK-BURTH vs. VXUS

Return for Risk

DBEM vs. URTH — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
DBEM
DBEM Risk / Return Rank: 9292
Overall Rank
DBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9393
Sharpe Ratio Rank
DBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 9090
Sortino Ratio Rank
DBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 9292
Omega Ratio Rank
DBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 9393
Calmar Ratio Rank
DBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 9393
Martin Ratio Rank
URTH
URTH Risk / Return Rank: 6565
Overall Rank
URTH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6565
Sharpe Ratio Rank
URTH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6464
Sortino Ratio Rank
URTH Omega Ratio Rank: 6464
Omega Ratio Rank
URTH Calmar Ratio Rank: 6060
Calmar Ratio Rank
URTH Martin Ratio Rank: 7171
Martin Ratio Rank
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. URTH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

DBEMURTHDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
3.22
2.08

+1.14

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
3.98
2.85

+1.12

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.58

1.37

+0.21

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

6.12

2.88

+3.24

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

22.57

12.77

+9.81

DBEM vs. URTH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEM Sharpe Ratio is 3.22, which is higher than the URTH Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEM and URTH, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Loading charts...

Drawdowns

DBEM vs. URTH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEM drawdown since its inception was -33.51%, roughly equal to the maximum URTH drawdown of -34.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEM and URTH.

Loading charts...

Drawdown Indicators

DBEMURTHDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-33.51%

-34.01%

+0.50%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-10.51%

-9.06%

-1.45%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-15.12%

-16.94%

+1.82%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-30.48%

-26.05%

-4.43%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-33.51%

-34.01%

+0.50%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

0.00%

-1.19%

+1.19%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-11.66%

-4.36%

-7.30%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

2.84%

2.04%

+0.80%

Volatility

DBEM vs. URTH - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) has a higher volatility of 10.09% compared to iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) at 4.47%. This indicates that DBEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than URTH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Loading charts...

Volatility by Period

DBEMURTHDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

10.09%

4.47%

+5.62%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

17.84%

10.16%

+7.68%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

20.01%

12.59%

+7.42%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

17.54%

16.26%

+1.28%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

17.35%

17.29%

+0.06%

DBEM vs. URTH - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEM has a 0.66% expense ratio, which is higher than URTH's 0.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEM vs. URTH - Dividend Comparison

DBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.96%, more than URTH's 1.40% yield.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
DBEM
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF		1.96%1.84%2.48%2.55%2.65%1.77%1.74%2.59%2.85%1.51%1.59%3.49%
URTH
iShares MSCI World ETF		1.40%1.48%1.47%1.70%1.68%1.50%1.52%2.16%2.30%1.88%2.15%2.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

DBEM and URTH have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

DBEM has higher volatility (10.09%) compared to URTH (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEM dropped -33.51% vs URTH's -34.01%.

On 10-year performance, URTH leads with 13.61% vs 11.28% for DBEM. On fees, URTH is cheaper at 0.24% per year. On volatility, URTH has been the lower-risk option at 4.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Over the 10-year period, URTH has performed better with a 13.61% return vs 11.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

URTH is cheaper with a 0.24% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for DBEM.

DBEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.40% for URTH.

DBEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while URTH is Global Equities. DBEM tracks MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index, while URTH tracks MSCI World Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.66% for DBEM and 0.24% for URTH.

DBEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.22 vs 2.08), 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.

Portfolio Optimizer

Find the right allocation for DBEM and URTH

Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.

Open Portfolio Optimizer