DGRE vs. EEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DGRE (WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGRE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by WisdomTree, while EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). DGRE is actively managed, while EEM is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGRE returned 8.42%/yr vs 8.45%/yr for EEM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGRE charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

DGRE vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRE) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGRE achieves a 23.46% return, which is significantly higher than EEM's 18.51% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DGRE having a 8.42% annualized return and EEM not far ahead at 8.45%.

DGRE

• 1D: -3.26%
• 1M: -3.93%
• 6M: 18.21%
• YTD: 23.46%
• 1Y: 41.62%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 7.90%
• 10Y*: 8.42%

EEM

• 1D: -3.59%
• 1M: -4.49%
• 6M: 11.90%
• YTD: 18.51%
• 1Y: 36.27%
• 3Y*: 19.09%
• 5Y*: 6.13%
• 10Y*: 8.45%

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

DGRE vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGRE WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund	23.46%	27.47%	3.63%	18.46%	-21.86%	2.55%	10.85%	21.12%	-16.36%	33.61%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	18.51%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	18.22%	-15.31%	37.26%

Correlation

The correlation between DGRE and EEM is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 1, 2013	0.88

The correlation between DGRE and EEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.82 (3 years) to 0.94 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DGRE vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DGRE	EEM
Technology	41.5%	44.3%
Financial Services	17.8%	17.7%
Industrials	11.8%	6.6%
Basic Materials	6.6%	5.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	8.3%
Healthcare	4.8%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	2.5%
Communication Services	2.6%	6.0%
Utilities	2.2%	1.8%
Energy	1.9%	3.4%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.0%

Return for Risk

DGRE vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGRE

DGRE Risk / Return Rank: 71
DGRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DGRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
DGRE Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DGRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DGRE Martin Ratio Rank: 76

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 61
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

DGRE vs. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRE) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). 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.

	DGRE	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.55	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.05	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.30	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	2.69	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.25	9.20	+2.05

DGRE vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGRE Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGRE and EEM, 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

DGRE vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGRE drawdown since its inception was -36.95%, smaller than the maximum EEM drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGRE and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGRE	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.95%	-66.43%	+29.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.68%	-13.52%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.65%	-17.29%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.43%	-35.70%	+2.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.95%	-39.82%	+2.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.73%	-9.42%	+0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.94%	-15.97%	+4.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.71%	3.95%	-0.24%

Volatility

DGRE vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRE) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) have volatilities of 10.85% and 11.27%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGRE	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.85%	11.27%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.70%	21.57%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.37%	23.57%	-0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.88%	19.71%	-0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.87%	20.70%	-0.83%

DGRE vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGRE has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGRE vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

DGRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%, less than EEM's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRE WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund	1.34%	1.65%	1.90%	2.22%	4.38%	2.56%	2.11%	2.32%	2.71%	3.12%	3.18%	3.01%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.73%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGRE and EEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DGRE and EEM 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, DGRE or EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (11.27%) compared to DGRE (10.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGRE dropped -36.95% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, DGRE or EEM?

On 10-year performance, EEM leads with 8.45% vs 8.42% for DGRE. On fees, DGRE is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, DGRE has been the lower-risk option at 10.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGRE or EEM?

Over the 10-year period, EEM has performed better with a 8.45% return vs 8.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGRE or EEM?

DGRE is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGRE or EEM?

EEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.34% for DGRE.

What is the main difference between DGRE and EEM?

DGRE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for DGRE and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.55), 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.