DIAL vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DIAL (Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DIAL is a Multisector Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Beta Advantage Multi-Sector Bond Index, while XCEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DIAL returned 0.73%/yr vs 11.95%/yr for XCEM. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DIAL charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

DIAL vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DIAL achieves a 0.88% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 38.32% return.

DIAL

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 0.88%
• 6M: 0.93%
• 1Y: 6.65%
• 3Y*: 5.85%
• 5Y*: 0.73%
• 10Y*: —

XCEM

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 12.13%
• YTD: 38.32%
• 6M: 44.13%
• 1Y: 71.14%
• 3Y*: 26.37%
• 5Y*: 11.95%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

DIAL vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	0.88%	9.93%	1.69%	8.54%	-16.13%	-1.14%	9.08%	14.05%	-1.98%	0.00%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	38.32%	34.05%	0.42%	19.96%	-17.59%	7.87%	9.47%	19.74%	-11.75%	7.49%

Correlation

The correlation between DIAL and XCEM is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2017	0.29

Over the past year, DIAL and XCEM have become more correlated (0.50) than their long-term average of 0.29, meaning their price movements have been converging.

DIAL vs. XCEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DIAL	XCEM
Financial Services	0.5%	7.7%
Basic Materials	-	0.7%
Communication Services	-	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	1.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.3%
Energy	-	0.2%
Healthcare	-	0.1%
Industrials	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Technology	-	1.1%
Utilities	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

DIAL vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIAL

DIAL Risk / Return Rank: 46
DIAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DIAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DIAL Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DIAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DIAL Martin Ratio Rank: 47

XCEM

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

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.

DIAL vs. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). 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.

	DIAL	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	3.42	-1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	4.27	-1.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.61	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	4.95	-2.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.79	19.98	-12.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DIAL vs. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is lower than the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 3.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIAL and XCEM, 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

	DIAL	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.64	3.42	-1.79
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10	0.68	-0.57
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.63	-0.28

Drawdowns

DIAL vs. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIAL drawdown since its inception was -22.19%, smaller than the maximum XCEM drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIAL and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIAL	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.19%	-41.24%	+19.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.34%	-14.46%	+11.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.01%	-18.92%	+11.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.19%	-29.67%	+7.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-1.25%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.54%	-8.59%	+3.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	3.57%	-2.71%

Volatility

DIAL vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) is 1.57%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 9.43%. This indicates that DIAL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XCEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIAL	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.57%	9.43%	-7.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.23%	18.72%	-15.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.08%	20.89%	-16.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.03%	17.75%	-10.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.03%	19.72%	-12.69%

DIAL vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIAL has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than XCEM's 0.16% expense ratio.

Dividends

DIAL vs. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

DIAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.05%, more than XCEM's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIAL Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF	5.05%	4.81%	4.67%	3.77%	3.47%	2.46%	2.61%	3.27%	3.56%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	2.35%	3.25%	2.76%	1.22%	2.42%	1.94%	1.63%	2.11%	2.70%	9.56%	1.24%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIAL and XCEM in my portfolio?

DIAL and XCEM have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIAL or XCEM?

XCEM has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to DIAL (1.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIAL dropped -22.19% vs XCEM's -41.24%.

Which ETF is better, DIAL or XCEM?

On 5-year performance, XCEM leads with 11.95% vs 0.73% for DIAL. On fees, XCEM is cheaper at 0.16% per year. On volatility, DIAL has been the lower-risk option at 1.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DIAL or XCEM?

Over the 5-year period, XCEM has performed better with a 11.95% return vs 0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DIAL or XCEM?

XCEM is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for DIAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DIAL or XCEM?

DIAL has the higher dividend yield at 5.05%, compared with 2.35% for XCEM.

What is the main difference between DIAL and XCEM?

DIAL is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while XCEM is Emerging Markets Equities. DIAL tracks Bloomberg Beta Advantage Multi-Sector Bond Index, while XCEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for DIAL and 0.16% for XCEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.42 vs 1.64), 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.