DWGAX vs. WAEMX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

DWGAX (American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund) and WAEMX (Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, DWGAX returned 8.16%/yr vs 8.64%/yr for WAEMX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DWGAX charges 1.23%/yr vs 1.91%/yr for WAEMX.

Performance

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund (DWGAX) and Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DWGAX achieves a 17.41% return, which is significantly lower than WAEMX's 22.94% return. Over the past 10 years, DWGAX has underperformed WAEMX with an annualized return of 8.16%, while WAEMX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.64% annualized return.

DWGAX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 17.41%
• 6M: 17.66%
• 1Y: 34.56%
• 3Y*: 19.04%
• 5Y*: 5.11%
• 10Y*: 8.16%

WAEMX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -3.69%
• YTD: 22.94%
• 6M: 22.22%
• 1Y: 28.75%
• 3Y*: 12.34%
• 5Y*: 1.12%
• 10Y*: 8.64%

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

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DWGAX American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund	17.41%	34.25%	3.57%	11.28%	-23.47%	0.50%	12.07%	23.50%	-14.90%	27.69%
WAEMX Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	22.94%	5.85%	-2.21%	21.20%	-38.76%	30.16%	32.79%	27.45%	-18.97%	38.20%

Correlation

The correlation between DWGAX and WAEMX is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2014	0.72

The correlation between DWGAX and WAEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DWGAX vs. WAEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DWGAX

DWGAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
DWGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
DWGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DWGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DWGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DWGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

WAEMX

WAEMX Risk / Return Rank: 58
WAEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
WAEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
WAEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
WAEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
WAEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund (DWGAX) and Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX). 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.

	DWGAX	WAEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.62	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	2.36	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.29	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	3.78	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.77	11.03	-1.27

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWGAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the WAEMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWGAX and WAEMX, 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

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWGAX drawdown since its inception was -38.71%, smaller than the maximum WAEMX drawdown of -66.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWGAX and WAEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWGAX	WAEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.71%	-66.35%	+27.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.26%	-7.89%	-5.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-25.56%	+10.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.06%	-44.88%	+6.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.71%	-44.88%	+6.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.90%	-9.05%	+5.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.87%	-16.78%	+2.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.58%	2.70%	+0.88%

Volatility

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund (DWGAX) has a higher volatility of 8.95% compared to Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX) at 7.98%. This indicates that DWGAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than WAEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DWGAX	WAEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.95%	7.98%	+0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.31%	15.82%	-0.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.37%	18.57%	-1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.67%	17.96%	-1.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.59%	18.27%	-1.68%

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWGAX has a 1.23% expense ratio, which is lower than WAEMX's 1.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWGAX vs. WAEMX - Dividend Comparison

DWGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than WAEMX's 57.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DWGAX American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund	1.35%	1.87%	1.12%	1.63%	1.09%	1.01%	1.46%	1.81%	2.28%	2.02%	2.01%	2.05%
WAEMX Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	57.26%	70.40%	6.49%	0.00%	3.32%	6.03%	7.15%	5.82%	12.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DWGAX and WAEMX in my portfolio?

DWGAX and WAEMX have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DWGAX or WAEMX?

DWGAX has higher volatility (8.95%) compared to WAEMX (7.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWGAX dropped -38.71% vs WAEMX's -66.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DWGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.61), 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.