GF vs. BTIIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GF (The New Germany Fund) and BTIIX (DWS Equity 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - GF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by DWS, while BTIIX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by DWS. Over the past 10 years, GF returned 9.23%/yr vs 16.44%/yr for BTIIX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GF charges 0.01%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for BTIIX.

Performance

GF vs. BTIIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The New Germany Fund (GF) and DWS Equity 500 Index Fund (BTIIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GF achieves a 4.70% return, which is significantly lower than BTIIX's 10.09% return. Over the past 10 years, GF has underperformed BTIIX with an annualized return of 9.23%, while BTIIX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.44% annualized return.

GF

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 4.70%
• 6M: 7.12%
• 1Y: 6.36%
• 3Y*: 12.00%
• 5Y*: -2.70%
• 10Y*: 9.23%

BTIIX

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 10.09%
• 6M: 9.58%
• 1Y: 26.91%
• 3Y*: 20.75%
• 5Y*: 13.86%
• 10Y*: 16.44%

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

GF vs. BTIIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GF The New Germany Fund	4.70%	48.34%	-9.96%	11.66%	-42.21%	7.92%	38.43%	38.75%	-21.55%	54.50%
BTIIX DWS Equity 500 Index Fund	10.09%	17.56%	24.83%	26.04%	-18.51%	28.71%	18.37%	45.09%	-4.99%	21.61%

Correlation

The correlation between GF and BTIIX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 1996	0.59

The correlation between GF and BTIIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (3 years) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GF vs. BTIIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GF

GF Risk / Return Rank: 5
GF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
GF Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
GF Omega Ratio Rank: 5
GF Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
GF Martin Ratio Rank: 5

BTIIX

BTIIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
BTIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
BTIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
BTIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
BTIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
BTIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

GF vs. BTIIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The New Germany Fund (GF) and DWS Equity 500 Index Fund (BTIIX). 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.

	GF	BTIIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.32	2.16	-1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.59	2.94	-2.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.39	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.35	3.01	-2.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.85	13.50	-12.65

GF vs. BTIIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GF Sharpe Ratio is 0.32, which is lower than the BTIIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GF and BTIIX, 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

GF vs. BTIIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GF drawdown since its inception was -85.97%, which is greater than BTIIX's maximum drawdown of -55.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GF and BTIIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GF	BTIIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-85.97%	-55.24%	-30.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.07%	-8.93%	-9.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.75%	-21.16%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.83%	-24.60%	-29.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.83%	-33.83%	-20.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.87%	-1.37%	-15.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.91%	-10.08%	-23.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.47%	1.98%	+5.49%

Volatility

GF vs. BTIIX - Volatility Comparison

The New Germany Fund (GF) and DWS Equity 500 Index Fund (BTIIX) have volatilities of 4.76% and 4.77%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GF	BTIIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.76%	4.77%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.13%	9.86%	+6.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.79%	12.46%	+7.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.62%	22.53%	-1.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.72%	21.24%	-0.52%

GF vs. BTIIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GF has a 0.01% expense ratio, which is lower than BTIIX's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GF vs. BTIIX - Dividend Comparison

GF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.41%, less than BTIIX's 11.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTIIX DWS Equity 500 Index Fund	11.73%	13.18%	20.02%	26.57%	14.49%	15.07%	20.31%	23.22%	22.74%	15.17%	11.11%	8.32%
GF The New Germany Fund	2.41%	1.30%	0.92%	0.80%	9.74%	39.51%	12.92%	3.29%	31.23%	3.82%	9.05%	8.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GF and BTIIX in my portfolio?

GF and BTIIX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GF or BTIIX?

BTIIX has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to GF (4.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GF dropped -85.97% vs BTIIX's -55.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BTIIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 0.32), 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.