DFEM vs. PEMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) and PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEM returned 21.68%/yr vs 33.94%/yr for PEMX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFEM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PEMX.

Performance

DFEM vs. PEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEM achieves a 20.81% return, which is significantly lower than PEMX's 38.87% return.

DFEM

• 1D: -5.74%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 20.81%
• 6M: 21.36%
• 1Y: 41.37%
• 3Y*: 21.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEMX

• 1D: -6.08%
• 1M: 6.67%
• YTD: 38.87%
• 6M: 41.13%
• 1Y: 69.16%
• 3Y*: 33.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEM vs. PEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	20.81%	29.51%	7.53%	8.88%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	38.87%	34.01%	17.21%	15.13%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEM and PEMX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2023	0.84

The correlation between DFEM and PEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFEM vs. PEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEM

DFEM Risk / Return Rank: 66
DFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
DFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 87
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

DFEM vs. PEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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.

	DFEM	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.78	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	3.33	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.49	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	4.81	-1.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.74	18.22	-5.48

DFEM vs. PEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the PEMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEM and PEMX, 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

DFEM vs. PEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEM drawdown since its inception was -20.82%, which is greater than PEMX's maximum drawdown of -14.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEM and PEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEM	PEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.82%	-14.91%	-5.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.12%	-14.45%	+2.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.09%	-14.91%	-3.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.74%	-6.08%	+0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.01%	-2.85%	-2.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	3.81%	-0.55%

Volatility

DFEM vs. PEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) is 12.01%, while Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) has a volatility of 14.35%. This indicates that DFEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEM	PEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	14.35%	-2.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.31%	22.77%	-3.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.16%	25.00%	-3.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.94%	19.49%	-1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.94%	19.49%	-1.55%

DFEM vs. PEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than PEMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEM vs. PEMX - Dividend Comparison

DFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, less than PEMX's 5.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	1.89%	2.32%	2.50%	2.38%	1.99%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	5.04%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEM and PEMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFEM and PEMX 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, DFEM or PEMX?

PEMX has higher volatility (14.35%) compared to DFEM (12.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEM dropped -20.82% vs PEMX's -14.91%.

Which ETF is better, DFEM or PEMX?

On 3-year performance, PEMX leads with 33.94% vs 21.68% for DFEM. On fees, DFEM is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, DFEM has been the lower-risk option at 12.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEM or PEMX?

Over the 3-year period, PEMX has performed better with a 33.94% return vs 21.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEM or PEMX?

DFEM is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFEM or PEMX?

PEMX has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 1.89% for DFEM.

What is the main difference between DFEM and PEMX?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DFEM and 0.85% for PEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 1.97), 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.