DEXC vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DEXC (Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. DEXC is actively managed, while IEMG is passively managed. Over the past year, DEXC returned 63.36% vs 52.58% for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DEXC charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

DEXC vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (DEXC) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DEXC achieves a 37.31% return, which is significantly higher than IEMG's 26.21% return.

DEXC

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 11.20%
• YTD: 37.31%
• 6M: 41.69%
• 1Y: 63.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IEMG

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: 7.97%
• YTD: 26.21%
• 6M: 28.63%
• 1Y: 52.58%
• 3Y*: 23.55%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 10.41%

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

DEXC vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DEXC Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF	37.31%	27.13%	-1.20%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	26.21%	32.56%	-0.76%

Correlation

The correlation between DEXC and IEMG is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 15, 2024	0.92

The correlation between DEXC and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

DEXC vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DEXC	IEMG
Technology	42.7%	35.0%
Financial Services	13.6%	18.4%
Industrials	9.2%	9.0%
Basic Materials	7.5%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.6%	9.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.3%
Communication Services	2.8%	6.4%
Energy	2.7%	3.8%
Healthcare	2.6%	3.7%
Utilities	1.9%	2.2%
Real Estate	1.3%	1.7%

Return for Risk

DEXC vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEXC

DEXC Risk / Return Rank: 89
DEXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
DEXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
DEXC Omega Ratio Rank: 89
DEXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
DEXC Martin Ratio Rank: 89

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 79
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

DEXC vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (DEXC) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

	DEXC	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.12	2.72	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.99	3.53	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.50	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.95	4.00	+0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.75	15.38	+4.37
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DEXC vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEXC Sharpe Ratio is 3.12, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 2.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEXC and IEMG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DEXC	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.12	2.72	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.17	0.35	+1.82

Drawdowns

DEXC vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEXC drawdown since its inception was -15.07%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEXC and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEXC	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.07%	-38.71%	+23.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.86%	-13.21%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-1.34%	+0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.41%	-12.97%	+10.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	3.43%	-0.21%

Volatility

DEXC vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF (DEXC) has a higher volatility of 9.61% compared to iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) at 8.31%. This indicates that DEXC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DEXC	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.61%	8.31%	+1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.28%	16.93%	+1.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.44%	19.43%	+1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.73%	18.38%	+1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.73%	20.03%	-0.30%

DEXC vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEXC has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEXC vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

DEXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than IEMG's 2.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEXC Dimensional Emerging Markets ex China Core Equity ETF	1.45%	1.97%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.18%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEXC and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DEXC and IEMG 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, DEXC or IEMG?

DEXC has higher volatility (9.61%) compared to IEMG (8.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEXC dropped -15.07% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, DEXC or IEMG?

On 1-year performance, DEXC leads with 63.36% vs 52.58% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IEMG has been the lower-risk option at 8.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DEXC or IEMG?

Over the 1-year period, DEXC has performed better with a 63.36% return vs 52.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEXC or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for DEXC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DEXC or IEMG?

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 1.45% for DEXC.

What is the main difference between DEXC and IEMG?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DEXC and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.12 vs 2.72), 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.