PGEIX vs. WAEMX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PGEIX (Polen Global Emerging Markets Growth Fund) and WAEMX (Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past year, PGEIX returned -1.66% vs 21.67% for WAEMX. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PGEIX charges 1.25%/yr vs 1.91%/yr for WAEMX.

Performance

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Polen Global Emerging Markets Growth Fund (PGEIX) and Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PGEIX achieves a -5.22% return, which is significantly lower than WAEMX's 18.24% return.

PGEIX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: -5.41%
• 6M: -9.13%
• YTD: -5.22%
• 1Y: -1.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WAEMX

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: -4.29%
• 6M: 14.20%
• YTD: 18.24%
• 1Y: 21.67%
• 3Y*: 9.30%
• 5Y*: -0.21%
• 10Y*: 7.56%

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

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PGEIX Polen Global Emerging Markets Growth Fund	-5.22%	16.07%
WAEMX Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	18.24%	12.72%

Correlation

The correlation between PGEIX and WAEMX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2025	0.61

The correlation between PGEIX and WAEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PGEIX vs. WAEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGEIX

PGEIX Risk / Return Rank: 3
PGEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
PGEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
PGEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PGEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
PGEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

WAEMX

WAEMX Risk / Return Rank: 38
WAEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
WAEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
WAEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
WAEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
WAEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Polen Global Emerging Markets Growth Fund (PGEIX) and Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX). 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.

	PGEIX	WAEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	1.14	-1.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.20	1.73	-1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.21	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.04	2.49	-2.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.11	7.41	-7.52

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGEIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is lower than the WAEMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGEIX and WAEMX, 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

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGEIX drawdown since its inception was -30.91%, smaller than the maximum WAEMX drawdown of -66.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGEIX and WAEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGEIX	WAEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.91%	-66.35%	+35.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.91%	-8.76%	-22.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.56%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-44.88%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.27%	-12.53%	-16.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.41%	-16.76%	+10.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.55%	2.93%	+8.62%

Volatility

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Volatility Comparison

Polen Global Emerging Markets Growth Fund (PGEIX) has a higher volatility of 12.61% compared to Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX) at 6.85%. This indicates that PGEIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than WAEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PGEIX	WAEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.61%	6.85%	+5.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.20%	16.56%	+19.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.87%	19.02%	+18.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.16%	18.08%	+17.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.16%	18.29%	+16.87%

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGEIX has a 1.25% expense ratio, which is lower than WAEMX's 1.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGEIX vs. WAEMX - Dividend Comparison

PGEIX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while WAEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 59.54%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PGEIX Polen Global Emerging Markets Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
WAEMX Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	59.54%	70.40%	6.49%	0.00%	3.32%	6.03%	7.15%	5.82%	12.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGEIX and WAEMX in my portfolio?

PGEIX and WAEMX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PGEIX or WAEMX?

PGEIX has higher volatility (12.61%) compared to WAEMX (6.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGEIX dropped -30.91% vs WAEMX's -66.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WAEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs -0.04), 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.