GEME vs. DBEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GEME (Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) and DBEM (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. GEME is actively managed, while DBEM is passively managed. Over the past year, GEME returned 70.02% vs 54.61% for DBEM. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GEME charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.66%/yr for DBEM.

Performance

GEME vs. DBEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) 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, GEME achieves a 32.99% return, which is significantly higher than DBEM's 27.92% return.

GEME

• 1D: -4.95%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 32.99%
• 6M: 35.43%
• 1Y: 70.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBEM

• 1D: -5.21%
• 1M: 2.97%
• YTD: 27.92%
• 6M: 28.44%
• 1Y: 54.61%
• 3Y*: 24.78%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: 10.69%

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

GEME vs. DBEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	32.99%	37.43%
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	27.92%	29.63%

Correlation

The correlation between GEME and DBEM is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2025	0.87

The correlation between GEME and DBEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GEME vs. DBEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

GEME

GEME Risk / Return Rank: 90
GEME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
GEME Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
GEME Omega Ratio Rank: 90
GEME Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
GEME Martin Ratio Rank: 90

DBEM

DBEM Risk / Return Rank: 87
DBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
DBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
DBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
DBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

GEME vs. DBEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) 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.

	GEME	DBEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	2.65	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	3.28	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.49	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.23	5.22	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.34	19.15	+0.20

GEME vs. DBEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GEME Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is comparable to the DBEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GEME 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

GEME vs. DBEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GEME drawdown since its inception was -16.86%, smaller than the maximum DBEM drawdown of -33.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GEME and DBEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	GEME	DBEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.86%	-33.51%	+16.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.46%	-10.51%	-2.95%
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	-5.18%	-5.21%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.38%	-11.66%	+9.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.63%	2.86%	+0.77%

Volatility

GEME vs. DBEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) is 10.98%, while Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) has a volatility of 11.58%. This indicates that GEME 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

	GEME	DBEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.98%	11.58%	-0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.46%	18.66%	+1.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.24%	20.69%	+2.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.00%	17.70%	+6.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.00%	17.39%	+6.61%

GEME vs. DBEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

GEME has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than DBEM's 0.66% expense ratio.

Dividends

GEME vs. DBEM - Dividend Comparison

GEME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.27%, more than DBEM's 2.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEM Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF	2.06%	1.84%	2.48%	2.55%	2.65%	1.77%	1.74%	2.59%	2.85%	1.51%	1.59%	3.49%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	5.27%	7.01%	0.00%	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 GEME and DBEM in my portfolio?

GEME and DBEM have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GEME or DBEM?

DBEM has higher volatility (11.58%) compared to GEME (10.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GEME dropped -16.86% vs DBEM's -33.51%.

Which ETF is better, GEME or DBEM?

On 1-year performance, GEME leads with 70.02% vs 54.61% for DBEM. On fees, DBEM is cheaper at 0.66% per year. On volatility, GEME has been the lower-risk option at 10.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GEME or DBEM?

Over the 1-year period, GEME has performed better with a 70.02% return vs 54.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GEME or DBEM?

DBEM is cheaper with a 0.66% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GEME.

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

GEME has the higher dividend yield at 5.27%, compared with 2.06% for DBEM.

What is the main difference between GEME and DBEM?

They also come from different issuers: Pacific AM and Deutsche Bank. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for GEME and 0.66% for DBEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 2.65), 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.