DEM vs. BKEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DEM (WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund) and BKEM (BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - DEM tracks the WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Index while BKEM tracks the Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DEM returned 9.77%/yr vs 6.39%/yr for BKEM. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DEM charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for BKEM.

Performance

DEM vs. BKEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (DEM) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DEM achieves a 16.70% return, which is significantly lower than BKEM's 20.10% return.

DEM

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: -2.61%
• 6M: 13.85%
• YTD: 16.70%
• 1Y: 22.03%
• 3Y*: 16.63%
• 5Y*: 9.77%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

BKEM

• 1D: -3.63%
• 1M: -4.84%
• 6M: 13.52%
• YTD: 20.10%
• 1Y: 36.79%
• 3Y*: 18.94%
• 5Y*: 6.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

DEM vs. BKEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DEM WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund	16.70%	21.29%	4.46%	20.93%	-10.43%	11.49%	28.96%
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	20.10%	30.55%	7.53%	8.68%	-19.43%	-3.91%	48.44%

Correlation

The correlation between DEM and BKEM is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 24, 2020	0.84

The correlation between DEM and BKEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

DEM vs. BKEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DEM	BKEM
Financial Services	21.9%	16.9%
Technology	17.3%	43.0%
Industrials	9.7%	8.1%
Energy	6.1%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	2.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.1%	8.7%
Basic Materials	3.5%	5.7%
Utilities	3.0%	2.0%
Communication Services	3.0%	5.8%
Real Estate	2.9%	1.1%
Healthcare	0.6%	2.7%

Return for Risk

DEM vs. BKEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEM

DEM Risk / Return Rank: 60
DEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DEM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
DEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DEM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

BKEM

BKEM Risk / Return Rank: 64
BKEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
BKEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
BKEM Omega Ratio Rank: 63
BKEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
BKEM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

DEM vs. BKEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (DEM) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM). 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.

	DEM	BKEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.62	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.12	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.30	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.80	2.82	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.03	9.64	-0.60

DEM vs. BKEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the BKEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEM and BKEM, 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

DEM vs. BKEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEM drawdown since its inception was -51.85%, which is greater than BKEM's maximum drawdown of -39.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEM and BKEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEM	BKEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.85%	-39.48%	-12.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.89%	-13.11%	+5.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.64%	-18.38%	+2.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.18%	-34.52%	+7.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.87%	-9.06%	+5.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.84%	-15.81%	+2.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	3.83%	-1.38%

Volatility

DEM vs. BKEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (DEM) is 5.76%, while BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) has a volatility of 10.87%. This indicates that DEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BKEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DEM	BKEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.76%	10.87%	-5.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.00%	20.93%	-7.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.73%	22.92%	-8.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.57%	19.50%	-3.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	19.65%	-1.81%

DEM vs. BKEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEM has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than BKEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEM vs. BKEM - Dividend Comparison

DEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, more than BKEM's 1.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.95%	2.25%	2.76%	3.02%	3.15%	2.22%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DEM WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund	4.19%	4.88%	5.24%	5.49%	8.62%	5.87%	4.21%	4.78%	4.47%	3.67%	3.63%	5.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEM and BKEM in my portfolio?

DEM and BKEM have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DEM or BKEM?

BKEM has higher volatility (10.87%) compared to DEM (5.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEM dropped -51.85% vs BKEM's -39.48%.

Which ETF is better, DEM or BKEM?

On 5-year performance, DEM leads with 9.77% vs 6.39% for BKEM. On fees, BKEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, DEM has been the lower-risk option at 5.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DEM or BKEM?

Over the 5-year period, DEM has performed better with a 9.77% return vs 6.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEM or BKEM?

BKEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for DEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DEM or BKEM?

DEM has the higher dividend yield at 4.19%, compared with 1.95% for BKEM.

What is the main difference between DEM and BKEM?

DEM tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Index, while BKEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and BNY Mellon. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for DEM and 0.11% for BKEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.51), 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.