DFEV vs. EMSF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFEV (Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF) and EMSF (Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFEV returned 57.15% vs 63.33% for EMSF. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFEV charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for EMSF.

Performance

DFEV vs. EMSF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEV achieves a 29.46% return, which is significantly lower than EMSF's 45.34% return.

DFEV

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: 9.10%
• YTD: 29.46%
• 6M: 32.40%
• 1Y: 57.15%
• 3Y*: 25.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EMSF

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: 8.61%
• YTD: 45.34%
• 6M: 40.08%
• 1Y: 63.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEV vs. EMSF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	29.46%	32.54%	7.26%	6.05%
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	45.34%	19.20%	-3.09%	1.88%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEV and EMSF is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2023	0.87

The correlation between DFEV and EMSF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFEV vs. EMSF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFEV	EMSF
Technology	28.6%	43.6%
Financial Services	16.8%	16.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	7.7%
Industrials	9.8%	15.0%
Energy	7.6%	-
Basic Materials	7.4%	-
Communication Services	3.5%	2.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	3.9%
Healthcare	3.3%	6.8%
Real Estate	1.6%	1.6%
Utilities	0.8%	2.8%

Return for Risk

DFEV vs. EMSF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEV

DFEV Risk / Return Rank: 89
DFEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DFEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DFEV Omega Ratio Rank: 91
DFEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
DFEV Martin Ratio Rank: 87

EMSF

EMSF Risk / Return Rank: 76
EMSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
EMSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
EMSF Omega Ratio Rank: 72
EMSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
EMSF Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

DFEV vs. EMSF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF). 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.

	DFEV	EMSF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.32	2.51	+0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.29	3.14	+1.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.43	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.06	4.37	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.06	14.61	+4.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFEV vs. EMSF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEV Sharpe Ratio is 3.32, which is higher than the EMSF Sharpe Ratio of 2.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEV and EMSF, 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

	DFEV	EMSF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.32	2.51	+0.81
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.11	0.98	+0.14

Drawdowns

DFEV vs. EMSF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEV drawdown since its inception was -18.49%, smaller than the maximum EMSF drawdown of -24.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEV and EMSF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEV	EMSF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-24.75%	+6.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-14.57%	+3.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-1.10%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.65%	-5.72%	+1.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	4.35%	-1.34%

Volatility

DFEV vs. EMSF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF (DFEV) is 7.73%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) has a volatility of 9.96%. This indicates that DFEV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMSF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEV	EMSF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.73%	9.96%	-2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.85%	21.98%	-7.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.31%	25.35%	-8.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.42%	22.75%	-6.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.42%	22.75%	-6.33%

DFEV vs. EMSF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEV has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than EMSF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEV vs. EMSF - Dividend Comparison

DFEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, more than EMSF's 1.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEV Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.02%	2.69%	3.17%	3.47%	3.35%
EMSF Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF	1.30%	1.88%	3.29%	0.02%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEV and EMSF in my portfolio?

DFEV and EMSF have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFEV or EMSF?

EMSF has higher volatility (9.96%) compared to DFEV (7.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEV dropped -18.49% vs EMSF's -24.75%.

Which ETF is better, DFEV or EMSF?

On 1-year performance, EMSF leads with 63.33% vs 57.15% for DFEV. On fees, DFEV is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, DFEV has been the lower-risk option at 7.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEV or EMSF?

Over the 1-year period, EMSF has performed better with a 63.33% return vs 57.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEV or EMSF?

DFEV is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for EMSF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFEV or EMSF?

DFEV has the higher dividend yield at 2.02%, compared with 1.30% for EMSF.

What is the main difference between DFEV and EMSF?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DFEV and 0.79% for EMSF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.32 vs 2.51), 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.