EQLT vs. DBEM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EQLT (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF) and DBEM (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EQLT tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index while DBEM tracks the MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EQLT returned 61.62% vs 63.96% for DBEM. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EQLT charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for DBEM.

Performance

EQLT vs. DBEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EQLT achieves a 33.07% return, which is significantly lower than DBEM's 34.95% return.

EQLT

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 5.30%
• YTD: 33.07%
• 6M: 34.67%
• 1Y: 61.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBEM

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 8.63%
• YTD: 34.95%
• 6M: 36.36%
• 1Y: 63.96%
• 3Y*: 27.03%
• 5Y*: 10.52%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

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

EQLT vs. DBEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	33.07%	33.93%	-1.29%
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	34.95%	30.42%	2.97%

Correlation

The correlation between EQLT and DBEM 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 Sep 6, 2024	0.89

The correlation between EQLT and DBEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

EQLT vs. DBEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EQLT	DBEM
Technology	36.1%	43.6%
Financial Services	17.4%	17.9%
Industrials	10.8%	6.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	8.4%
Basic Materials	6.8%	6.0%
Communication Services	6.3%	6.1%
Energy	3.7%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	2.5%
Healthcare	2.6%	2.5%
Utilities	1.9%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.0%

Return for Risk

EQLT vs. DBEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQLT

EQLT Risk / Return Rank: 87
EQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
EQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
EQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
EQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 90

DBEM

DBEM Risk / Return Rank: 92
DBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
DBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 92
DBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

EQLT vs. DBEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM). 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.

	EQLT	DBEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.77	3.22	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	3.98	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.58	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.16	6.12	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.06	22.57	-2.51

EQLT vs. DBEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQLT Sharpe Ratio is 2.77, which is comparable to the DBEM Sharpe Ratio of 3.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQLT and DBEM, 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

EQLT vs. DBEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQLT drawdown since its inception was -17.38%, smaller than the maximum DBEM drawdown of -33.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQLT and DBEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQLT	DBEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.38%	-33.51%	+16.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.00%	-10.51%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	0.00%	-0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-11.66%	+8.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	2.84%	+0.24%

Volatility

EQLT vs. DBEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) is 9.50%, while Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) has a volatility of 10.09%. This indicates that EQLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQLT	DBEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.50%	10.09%	-0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.19%	17.84%	+2.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.37%	20.01%	+2.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.09%	17.54%	+3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.09%	17.35%	+3.74%

EQLT vs. DBEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQLT has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than DBEM's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQLT vs. DBEM - Dividend Comparison

EQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, more than DBEM's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	1.96%	1.84%	2.48%	2.55%	2.65%	1.77%	1.74%	2.59%	2.85%	1.51%	1.59%	3.49%
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	2.51%	3.10%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQLT and DBEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, EQLT and DBEM 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, EQLT or DBEM?

DBEM has higher volatility (10.09%) compared to EQLT (9.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQLT dropped -17.38% vs DBEM's -33.51%.

Which ETF is better, EQLT or DBEM?

On 1-year performance, DBEM leads with 63.96% vs 61.62% for EQLT. On fees, EQLT is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, EQLT has been the lower-risk option at 9.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQLT or DBEM?

Over the 1-year period, DBEM has performed better with a 63.96% return vs 61.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQLT or DBEM?

EQLT is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for DBEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQLT or DBEM?

EQLT has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 1.96% for DBEM.

What is the main difference between EQLT and DBEM?

EQLT tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor Select Index, while DBEM tracks MSCI EM US Dollar Hedged Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Deutsche Bank. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for EQLT and 0.66% for DBEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.22 vs 2.77), 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.