HEEM vs. DEHP

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

HEEM (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) and DEHP (Dimensional Emerging Markets High Profitability ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. HEEM is passively managed, while DEHP is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, HEEM returned 23.65%/yr vs 21.57%/yr for DEHP. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HEEM charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for DEHP.

Performance

HEEM vs. DEHP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM) and Dimensional Emerging Markets High Profitability ETF (DEHP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEEM achieves a 20.85% return, which is significantly lower than DEHP's 23.52% return.

HEEM

• 1D: -5.76%
• 1M: -2.36%
• YTD: 20.85%
• 6M: 21.68%
• 1Y: 50.37%
• 3Y*: 23.65%
• 5Y*: 8.78%
• 10Y*: 10.40%

DEHP

• 1D: -7.40%
• 1M: -4.05%
• YTD: 23.52%
• 6M: 25.84%
• 1Y: 49.77%
• 3Y*: 21.57%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HEEM vs. DEHP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
HEEM iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	20.85%	34.02%	12.59%	10.14%	-5.49%
DEHP Dimensional Emerging Markets High Profitability ETF	23.52%	32.86%	4.47%	12.31%	-9.73%

Correlation

The correlation between HEEM and DEHP is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2022	0.92

The correlation between HEEM and DEHP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

HEEM vs. DEHP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEEM	DEHP
Technology	37.0%	41.3%
Financial Services	19.4%	6.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	9.0%
Industrials	7.5%	11.4%
Communication Services	6.9%	11.4%
Basic Materials	6.5%	7.7%
Energy	4.0%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	4.3%
Healthcare	2.9%	2.5%
Utilities	2.1%	0.6%
Real Estate	1.1%	0.4%

Return for Risk

HEEM vs. DEHP — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEEM

HEEM Risk / Return Rank: 86
HEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
HEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
HEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
HEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
HEEM Martin Ratio Rank: 88

DEHP

DEHP Risk / Return Rank: 74
DEHP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DEHP Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DEHP Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DEHP Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DEHP Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

HEEM vs. DEHP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM) and Dimensional Emerging Markets High Profitability ETF (DEHP). 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.

	HEEM	DEHP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	2.24	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	2.86	+0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.42	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.67	3.80	+0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.40	15.00	+3.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HEEM vs. DEHP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.71, which is comparable to the DEHP Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEEM and DEHP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HEEM	DEHP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.71	2.24	+0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.76	-0.31

Drawdowns

HEEM vs. DEHP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEEM drawdown since its inception was -33.53%, which is greater than DEHP's maximum drawdown of -22.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEEM and DEHP.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEEM	DEHP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.53%	-22.90%	-10.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.83%	-13.16%	+2.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.82%	-19.14%	+4.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.60%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.53%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.80%	-9.88%	+2.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.13%	-5.75%	-5.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	3.33%	-0.58%

Volatility

HEEM vs. DEHP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM) is 9.48%, while Dimensional Emerging Markets High Profitability ETF (DEHP) has a volatility of 12.38%. This indicates that HEEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DEHP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEEM	DEHP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.48%	12.38%	-2.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.57%	20.26%	-3.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.71%	22.36%	-3.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.21%	18.98%	-1.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.06%	18.98%	-0.92%

HEEM vs. DEHP - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEEM has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than DEHP's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEEM vs. DEHP - Dividend Comparison

HEEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.29%, more than DEHP's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEHP Dimensional Emerging Markets High Profitability ETF	1.45%	1.73%	2.44%	2.84%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HEEM iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	3.29%	3.98%	2.38%	2.75%	7.49%	1.93%	1.49%	3.04%	2.37%	2.05%	1.84%	6.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEEM and DEHP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, HEEM and DEHP 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, HEEM or DEHP?

DEHP has higher volatility (12.38%) compared to HEEM (9.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEEM dropped -33.53% vs DEHP's -22.90%.

Which ETF is better, HEEM or DEHP?

On 3-year performance, HEEM leads with 23.65% vs 21.57% for DEHP. On fees, DEHP is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, HEEM has been the lower-risk option at 9.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEEM or DEHP?

Over the 3-year period, HEEM has performed better with a 23.65% return vs 21.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEEM or DEHP?

DEHP is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for HEEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HEEM or DEHP?

HEEM has the higher dividend yield at 3.29%, compared with 1.45% for DEHP.

What is the main difference between HEEM and DEHP?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.72% for HEEM and 0.41% for DEHP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 2.24), 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.