EMCS vs. STXE

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

EMCS (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF) and STXE (Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EMCS tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Select Index while STXE tracks the Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, EMCS returned 22.52%/yr vs 23.32%/yr for STXE. Their correlation of 0.85 means they have usually moved in the same direction. EMCS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for STXE.

Performance

EMCS vs. STXE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMCS achieves a 24.35% return, which is significantly lower than STXE's 31.48% return.

EMCS

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: -0.73%
• 6M: 14.38%
• YTD: 24.35%
• 1Y: 45.63%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: 8.00%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.33%

STXE

• 1D: 2.93%
• 1M: -5.07%
• 6M: 18.30%
• YTD: 31.48%
• 1Y: 56.34%
• 3Y*: 23.32%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 22.35%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
EMCS Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF	$164.87K	$2.68M	$967.26K
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	$412.67K	$566.81K	$571.67K

EMCS vs. STXE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMCS Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF	24.35%	38.71%	10.12%	-4.44%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	31.48%	34.23%	2.09%	12.38%

Correlation

The correlation between EMCS and STXE is 0.94, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2023	0.85

The correlation between EMCS and STXE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMCS vs. STXE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMCS	STXE
Technology	51.4%	40.3%
Financial Services	27.3%	15.7%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	1.4%
Communication Services	7.5%	3.2%
Basic Materials	2.3%	6.2%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.4%
Industrials	1.2%	5.0%
Energy	1.1%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	1.7%
Healthcare	0.0%	0.6%
Utilities	0.0%	1.1%

Return for Risk

EMCS vs. STXE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

EMCS

EMCS Risk / Return Rank: 73
EMCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
EMCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
EMCS Omega Ratio Rank: 73
EMCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
EMCS Martin Ratio Rank: 73

STXE

STXE Risk / Return Rank: 79
STXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
STXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
STXE Omega Ratio Rank: 81
STXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
STXE Martin Ratio Rank: 79

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

EMCS vs. STXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE). 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.

	EMCS	STXE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.86	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	2.40	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.34	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	2.73	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.14	10.29	-1.15

EMCS vs. STXE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMCS Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the STXE Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMCS and STXE, 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

EMCS vs. STXE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMCS drawdown since its inception was -44.86%, which is greater than STXE's maximum drawdown of -20.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMCS and STXE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMCS	STXE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.86%	-20.38%	-24.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.25%	-20.38%	+5.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.73%	-20.38%	+3.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.62%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.17%	-14.59%	+4.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.41%	-3.95%	-12.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.87%	5.39%	-0.52%

Volatility

EMCS vs. STXE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) is 10.10%, while Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) has a volatility of 13.05%. This indicates that EMCS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than STXE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMCS	STXE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.10%	13.05%	-2.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.90%	28.09%	-3.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.26%	29.83%	-2.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.68%	20.17%	+1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.23%	20.17%	+2.06%

EMCS vs. STXE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMCS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than STXE's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMCS vs. STXE - Dividend Comparison

EMCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, less than STXE's 1.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
EMCS Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF	1.53%	1.66%	0.67%	3.07%	2.26%	1.46%	1.40%	3.56%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.91%	2.66%	3.22%	1.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMCS and STXE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, EMCS and STXE 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, EMCS or STXE?

STXE has higher volatility (13.05%) compared to EMCS (10.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMCS dropped -44.86% vs STXE's -20.38%.

Which ETF is better, EMCS or STXE?

On 3-year performance, STXE leads with 23.32% vs 22.52% for EMCS. On fees, EMCS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, EMCS has been the lower-risk option at 10.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMCS or STXE?

Over the 3-year period, STXE has performed better with a 23.32% return vs 22.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMCS or STXE?

EMCS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for STXE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMCS or STXE?

STXE has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 1.53% for EMCS.

What is the main difference between EMCS and STXE?

EMCS tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Select Index, while STXE tracks Bloomberg US 1000 Dividend Growth Index - Benchmark TR Gross. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Strive. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for EMCS and 0.32% for STXE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 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.