EEMS vs. DRESX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

EEMS (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF) and DRESX (Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, EEMS returned 9.44%/yr vs 11.58%/yr for DRESX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EEMS charges 0.73%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for DRESX.

Performance

EEMS vs. DRESX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) and Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund (DRESX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EEMS achieves a 16.21% return, which is significantly lower than DRESX's 20.68% return. Over the past 10 years, EEMS has underperformed DRESX with an annualized return of 9.44%, while DRESX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.58% annualized return.

EEMS

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 16.21%
• 6M: 18.24%
• 1Y: 31.17%
• 3Y*: 17.34%
• 5Y*: 7.37%
• 10Y*: 9.44%

DRESX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 20.68%
• 6M: 22.24%
• 1Y: 43.20%
• 3Y*: 22.20%
• 5Y*: 9.26%
• 10Y*: 11.58%

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

EEMS vs. DRESX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	16.21%	19.78%	3.13%	23.09%	-19.12%	18.12%	19.47%	11.25%	-18.98%	34.80%
DRESX Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund	20.68%	24.08%	14.86%	10.30%	-21.17%	15.93%	33.56%	33.70%	-24.00%	33.30%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMS and DRESX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2011	0.68

The correlation between EEMS and DRESX shifts across timeframes, from 0.68 (all time) to 0.79 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EEMS vs. DRESX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMS

EEMS Risk / Return Rank: 54
EEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
EEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
EEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
EEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
EEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 59

DRESX

DRESX Risk / Return Rank: 84
DRESX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
DRESX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
DRESX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
DRESX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
DRESX 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.

EEMS vs. DRESX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) and Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund (DRESX). 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.

	EEMS	DRESX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.93	-1.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	3.93	-1.49
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.55	-0.21
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	4.33	-1.39
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	14.43	-4.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EEMS vs. DRESX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is lower than the DRESX Sharpe Ratio of 2.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMS and DRESX, 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

	EEMS	DRESX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.82	2.93	-1.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.63	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.73	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.59	-0.27

Drawdowns

EEMS vs. DRESX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMS drawdown since its inception was -48.89%, which is greater than DRESX's maximum drawdown of -33.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMS and DRESX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMS	DRESX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.89%	-33.38%	-15.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.87%	-10.16%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.71%	-17.65%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.07%	-25.88%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.89%	-33.38%	-15.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-4.80%	+3.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.51%	-9.91%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	3.05%	+0.03%

Volatility

EEMS vs. DRESX - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) has a higher volatility of 6.98% compared to Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund (DRESX) at 6.10%. This indicates that EEMS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DRESX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMS	DRESX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.98%	6.10%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.83%	13.07%	+1.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.24%	15.40%	+1.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.05%	14.71%	+1.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.99%	15.90%	+2.09%

EEMS vs. DRESX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMS has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is lower than DRESX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMS vs. DRESX - Dividend Comparison

EEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than DRESX's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRESX Driehaus Emerging Markets Small Cap Growth Fund	1.86%	2.25%	0.68%	1.09%	0.00%	0.04%	0.65%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	2.66%	3.09%	2.60%	2.69%	0.89%	3.56%	2.14%	2.64%	3.06%	2.47%	2.51%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EEMS and DRESX in my portfolio?

EEMS and DRESX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EEMS or DRESX?

EEMS has higher volatility (6.98%) compared to DRESX (6.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMS dropped -48.89% vs DRESX's -33.38%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRESX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.93 vs 1.82), 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.