EMCS vs. TDEC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EMCS (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF) and TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - EMCS is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Select Index, while TDEC is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EMCS returned 66.57% vs 23.62% for TDEC. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMCS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TDEC.

Performance

EMCS vs. TDEC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMCS achieves a 38.43% return, which is significantly higher than TDEC's 10.01% return.

EMCS

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 12.26%
• YTD: 38.43%
• 6M: 40.42%
• 1Y: 66.57%
• 3Y*: 29.17%
• 5Y*: 9.04%
• 10Y*: —

TDEC

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 10.01%
• 6M: 11.45%
• 1Y: 23.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMCS vs. TDEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EMCS Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF	38.43%	38.71%	-1.23%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	10.01%	21.39%	-0.75%

Correlation

The correlation between EMCS and TDEC is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.92

The correlation between EMCS and TDEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMCS vs. TDEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMCS

EMCS Risk / Return Rank: 85
EMCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
EMCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
EMCS Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EMCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
EMCS Martin Ratio Rank: 86

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 73
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 87
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

EMCS vs. TDEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	2.27	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.39	3.13	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.51	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.67	2.91	+1.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.33	12.58	+4.75

EMCS vs. TDEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMCS Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is comparable to the TDEC Sharpe Ratio of 2.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMCS and TDEC, 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. TDEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMCS drawdown since its inception was -44.86%, which is greater than TDEC's maximum drawdown of -10.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMCS and TDEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMCS	TDEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.86%	-10.30%	-34.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.32%	-8.16%	-6.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.06%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.52%	-1.04%	-15.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.85%	1.88%	+1.97%

Volatility

EMCS vs. TDEC - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) has a higher volatility of 12.36% compared to FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) at 3.93%. This indicates that EMCS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TDEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMCS	TDEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.36%	3.93%	+8.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.11%	9.72%	+12.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.67%	10.50%	+14.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.16%	11.91%	+9.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	11.91%	+10.02%

EMCS vs. TDEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMCS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than TDEC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMCS vs. TDEC - Dividend Comparison

EMCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, while TDEC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
EMCS Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF	1.37%	1.66%	0.67%	3.07%	2.26%	1.46%	1.40%	3.56%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMCS and TDEC in my portfolio?

EMCS and TDEC have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMCS or TDEC?

EMCS has higher volatility (12.36%) compared to TDEC (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMCS dropped -44.86% vs TDEC's -10.30%.

Which ETF is better, EMCS or TDEC?

On 1-year performance, EMCS leads with 66.57% vs 23.62% for TDEC. On fees, EMCS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, TDEC has been the lower-risk option at 3.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMCS or TDEC?

Over the 1-year period, EMCS has performed better with a 66.57% return vs 23.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMCS or TDEC?

EMCS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

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

EMCS has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 0.00% for TDEC.

What is the main difference between EMCS and TDEC?

EMCS is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while TDEC is Defined Outcome. EMCS tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Select Index, while TDEC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for EMCS and 0.95% for TDEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMCS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.72 vs 2.27), 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.