KOKU vs. KEMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

KOKU (Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF) and KEMX (KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KOKU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan), while KEMX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KOKU returned 11.64%/yr vs 13.33%/yr for KEMX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KOKU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for KEMX.

Performance

KOKU vs. KEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KOKU achieves a 7.89% return, which is significantly lower than KEMX's 38.57% return.

KOKU

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: 7.89%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: 22.27%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 11.64%
• 10Y*: —

KEMX

• 1D: -5.69%
• 1M: 5.55%
• YTD: 38.57%
• 6M: 40.16%
• 1Y: 71.39%
• 3Y*: 28.36%
• 5Y*: 13.33%
• 10Y*: —

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

KOKU vs. KEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	7.89%	21.45%	19.45%	24.23%	-17.83%	23.84%	42.72%
KEMX KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF	38.57%	38.28%	0.36%	20.57%	-19.35%	10.55%	58.30%

Correlation

The correlation between KOKU and KEMX is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2020	0.73

The correlation between KOKU and KEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

KOKU vs. KEMX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KOKU	KEMX
Technology	31.8%	46.8%
Financial Services	14.9%	18.7%
Industrials	10.1%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	5.5%
Communication Services	8.9%	2.9%
Healthcare	8.8%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	2.6%
Energy	4.0%	4.0%
Basic Materials	3.3%	7.6%
Utilities	2.6%	1.7%
Real Estate	1.7%	1.0%

Return for Risk

KOKU vs. KEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

KOKU

KOKU Risk / Return Rank: 57
KOKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
KOKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
KOKU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
KOKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
KOKU Martin Ratio Rank: 64

KEMX

KEMX Risk / Return Rank: 87
KEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
KEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
KEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
KEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
KEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

KOKU vs. KEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX). 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.

	KOKU	KEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	2.84	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	3.38	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.51	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	4.67	-2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.88	17.76	-6.88

KOKU vs. KEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KOKU Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is lower than the KEMX Sharpe Ratio of 2.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KOKU and KEMX, 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

KOKU vs. KEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KOKU drawdown since its inception was -25.77%, smaller than the maximum KEMX drawdown of -38.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KOKU and KEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	KOKU	KEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.77%	-38.80%	+13.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-15.36%	+6.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.73%	-19.62%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.77%	-30.85%	+5.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	-5.69%	+3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.80%	-8.82%	+4.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	4.03%	-1.98%

Volatility

KOKU vs. KEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is 4.71%, while KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX) has a volatility of 13.52%. This indicates that KOKU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KOKU	KEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	13.52%	-8.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.23%	23.20%	-12.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.57%	25.26%	-12.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.51%	18.96%	-2.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	21.33%	-4.49%

KOKU vs. KEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

KOKU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than KEMX's 0.25% 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

KOKU vs. KEMX - Dividend Comparison

KOKU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, less than KEMX's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
KEMX KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF	2.37%	3.28%	3.39%	2.00%	4.10%	4.79%	1.69%	2.77%
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	1.45%	1.48%	1.63%	1.76%	1.98%	1.89%	0.55%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KOKU and KEMX in my portfolio?

KOKU and KEMX have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KOKU or KEMX?

KEMX has higher volatility (13.52%) compared to KOKU (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KOKU dropped -25.77% vs KEMX's -38.80%.

Which ETF is better, KOKU or KEMX?

On 5-year performance, KEMX leads with 13.33% vs 11.64% for KOKU. On fees, KOKU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, KOKU has been the lower-risk option at 4.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KOKU or KEMX?

Over the 5-year period, KEMX has performed better with a 13.33% return vs 11.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KOKU or KEMX?

KOKU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for KEMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KOKU or KEMX?

KEMX has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 1.45% for KOKU.

What is the main difference between KOKU and KEMX?

KOKU is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while KEMX is Foreign Large Cap Equities. KOKU tracks MSCI Kokusai Index (World ex Japan), while KEMX tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and CICC. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for KOKU and 0.25% for KEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 vs 1.78), 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.