DGS vs. DBEF
DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) and DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGS is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while DBEF is a Hedge Fund fund tracking the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGS returned 10.06%/yr vs 12.66%/yr for DBEF. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DGS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for DBEF.
Performance
DGS vs. DBEF - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DGS achieves a 14.20% return, which is significantly higher than DBEF's 11.20% return. Over the past 10 years, DGS has underperformed DBEF with an annualized return of 10.06%, while DBEF has yielded a comparatively higher 12.66% annualized return.
DGS
- 1D
- 3.96%
- 1M
- 1.43%
- YTD
- 14.20%
- 6M
- 15.60%
- 1Y
- 23.59%
- 3Y*
- 15.37%
- 5Y*
- 7.92%
- 10Y*
- 10.06%
DBEF
- 1D
- 2.77%
- 1M
- 3.28%
- YTD
- 11.20%
- 6M
- 12.22%
- 1Y
- 25.17%
- 3Y*
- 17.96%
- 5Y*
- 13.12%
- 10Y*
- 12.66%
DGS vs. DBEF - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 14.20% | 21.18% | 1.13% | 19.08% | -12.35% | 15.33% | 4.06% | 18.90% | -16.52% | 37.47% |
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF | 11.20% | 23.16% | 13.40% | 20.15% | -5.13% | 19.60% | 2.03% | 24.94% | -9.52% | 16.74% |
Correlation
The correlation between DGS and DBEF is 0.69, 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 | 0.69 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.63 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.65 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.65 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2011 | 0.64 |
The correlation between DGS and DBEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
DGS vs. DBEF — Risk / Return Rank
DGS
DBEF
DGS vs. DBEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) and Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF). 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.
| DGS | DBEF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.53 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.76 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.36 | -0.10 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.36 | 2.69 | -0.33 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.76 | 11.29 | -3.54 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
DGS vs. DBEF - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DGS drawdown since its inception was -61.83%, which is greater than DBEF's maximum drawdown of -32.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGS and DBEF.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| DGS | DBEF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -61.83% | -32.46% | -29.37% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.06% | -9.41% | -0.65% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.31% | -14.62% | -4.69% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.86% | -14.95% | -9.91% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -44.08% | -32.46% | -11.62% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.69% | 0.00% | -1.69% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -12.57% | -4.73% | -7.84% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.05% | 2.23% | +0.82% |
Volatility
DGS vs. DBEF - Volatility Comparison
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) has a higher volatility of 7.29% compared to Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) at 4.63%. This indicates that DGS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DBEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| DGS | DBEF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.29% | 4.63% | +2.66% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.26% | 10.81% | +3.45% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.59% | 12.90% | +3.69% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.09% | 13.84% | +1.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.39% | 15.81% | +1.58% |
DGS vs. DBEF - Expense Ratio Comparison
DGS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than DBEF's 0.36% expense ratio.
Dividends
DGS vs. DBEF - Dividend Comparison
DGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, less than DBEF's 4.99% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF | 4.99% | 5.55% | 1.29% | 4.46% | 15.85% | 2.28% | 2.41% | 3.03% | 3.22% | 2.98% | 2.55% | 3.70% |
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 3.22% | 3.45% | 3.36% | 4.55% | 5.34% | 3.98% | 3.69% | 3.95% | 4.24% | 2.81% | 3.42% | 3.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DGS and DBEF have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DGS has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to DBEF (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGS dropped -61.83% vs DBEF's -32.46%.
On 10-year performance, DBEF leads with 12.66% vs 10.06% for DGS. On fees, DBEF is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, DBEF has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, DBEF has performed better with a 12.66% return vs 10.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
DBEF is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DGS.
DBEF has the higher dividend yield at 4.99%, compared with 3.22% for DGS.
DGS is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DBEF is Hedge Fund. DGS tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index, while DBEF tracks MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and DWS. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DGS and 0.36% for DBEF.
DBEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.43), 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.
Find the right allocation for DGS and DBEF
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer