DBEZ vs. HEZU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DBEZ (Xtrackers MSCI Eurozone Hedged Equity ETF) and HEZU (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - DBEZ tracks the MSCI EMU IMI 100% Hedged to USD Net Variant while HEZU tracks the MSCI EMU 100% USD Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEZ returned 12.90%/yr vs 13.14%/yr for HEZU. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DBEZ charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for HEZU.

Performance

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Eurozone Hedged Equity ETF (DBEZ) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DBEZ having a 12.37% return and HEZU slightly higher at 12.57%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DBEZ having a 12.90% annualized return and HEZU not far ahead at 13.14%.

DBEZ

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: 3.40%
• YTD: 12.37%
• 6M: 13.09%
• 1Y: 25.09%
• 3Y*: 18.47%
• 5Y*: 12.19%
• 10Y*: 12.90%

HEZU

• 1D: -1.85%
• 1M: 3.67%
• YTD: 12.57%
• 6M: 12.77%
• 1Y: 25.57%
• 3Y*: 19.18%
• 5Y*: 12.84%
• 10Y*: 13.14%

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

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBEZ Xtrackers MSCI Eurozone Hedged Equity ETF	12.37%	26.14%	9.51%	21.78%	-10.13%	23.52%	0.36%	29.94%	-10.81%	15.62%
HEZU iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF	12.57%	25.93%	10.63%	22.98%	-9.54%	23.51%	0.52%	29.48%	-10.23%	14.26%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEZ and HEZU is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2014	0.98

The correlation between DBEZ and HEZU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEZ	HEZU
Financial Services	22.6%	23.8%
Industrials	20.2%	21.0%
Technology	15.7%	16.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	8.4%
Utilities	5.8%	6.4%
Healthcare	5.2%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	5.5%
Communication Services	4.6%	4.3%
Basic Materials	4.2%	4.1%
Energy	3.5%	3.9%
Real Estate	1.1%	0.9%

Return for Risk

DBEZ vs. HEZU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBEZ

DBEZ Risk / Return Rank: 52
DBEZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
DBEZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DBEZ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DBEZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DBEZ Martin Ratio Rank: 55

HEZU

HEZU Risk / Return Rank: 52
HEZU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
HEZU Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
HEZU Omega Ratio Rank: 50
HEZU Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
HEZU Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Eurozone Hedged Equity ETF (DBEZ) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU). 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.

	DBEZ	HEZU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.65	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.38	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	2.34	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.04	9.21	-0.17

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the HEZU Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEZ and HEZU, 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

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEZ drawdown since its inception was -38.76%, roughly equal to the maximum HEZU drawdown of -38.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEZ and HEZU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEZ	HEZU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.76%	-38.80%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.03%	-10.95%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.59%	-14.83%	-0.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.38%	-22.79%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.76%	-38.80%	+0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.64%	-1.85%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.79%	-5.81%	+0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	2.78%	0.00%

Volatility

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI Eurozone Hedged Equity ETF (DBEZ) is 4.98%, while iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU) has a volatility of 5.46%. This indicates that DBEZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HEZU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEZ	HEZU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.98%	5.46%	-0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.69%	13.22%	-0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.05%	15.56%	-0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.53%	16.60%	-0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.14%	18.18%	-0.04%

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEZ has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than HEZU's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEZ vs. HEZU - Dividend Comparison

DBEZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, less than HEZU's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEZ Xtrackers MSCI Eurozone Hedged Equity ETF	1.28%	4.20%	0.62%	1.84%	1.68%	1.64%	1.99%	2.86%	2.56%	2.11%	3.42%	4.92%
HEZU iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF	2.60%	2.92%	2.77%	2.52%	23.26%	2.25%	2.32%	5.40%	3.48%	1.92%	3.11%	2.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEZ and HEZU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DBEZ and HEZU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DBEZ or HEZU?

HEZU has higher volatility (5.46%) compared to DBEZ (4.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEZ dropped -38.76% vs HEZU's -38.80%.

Which ETF is better, DBEZ or HEZU?

On 10-year performance, HEZU leads with 13.14% vs 12.90% for DBEZ. On fees, DBEZ is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, DBEZ has been the lower-risk option at 4.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEZ or HEZU?

Over the 10-year period, HEZU has performed better with a 13.14% return vs 12.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEZ or HEZU?

DBEZ is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for HEZU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DBEZ or HEZU?

HEZU has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 1.28% for DBEZ.

What is the main difference between DBEZ and HEZU?

DBEZ tracks MSCI EMU IMI 100% Hedged to USD Net Variant, while HEZU tracks MSCI EMU 100% USD Hedged Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for DBEZ and 0.52% for HEZU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.65), 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.