QALT vs. SEEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QALT (SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF) and SEEM (SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QALT is a Multistrategy fund actively managed by SEI, while SEEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by SEI. Both are actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QALT charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SEEM.

Performance

QALT vs. SEEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (QALT) and SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QALT achieves a 6.22% return, which is significantly lower than SEEM's 31.00% return.

QALT

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 3.42%
• YTD: 6.22%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SEEM

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 9.98%
• YTD: 31.00%
• 6M: 34.54%
• 1Y: 61.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QALT vs. SEEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QALT SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	6.22%	4.91%
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	31.00%	10.44%

Correlation

The correlation between QALT and SEEM is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

QALT vs. SEEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEEM

SEEM Risk / Return Rank: 87
SEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
SEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 89
SEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
SEEM Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

QALT vs. SEEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (QALT) and SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QALT	SEEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.13	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.98	1.91	+0.08

Drawdowns

QALT vs. SEEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QALT drawdown since its inception was -4.85%, smaller than the maximum SEEM drawdown of -14.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QALT and SEEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	QALT	SEEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.85%	-14.34%	+9.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-1.11%	+0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.37%	-2.64%	+1.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.52%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QALT	SEEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.28%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.63%	19.69%	-12.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.63%	19.80%	-12.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.63%	19.80%	-12.17%

QALT vs. SEEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

QALT has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than SEEM's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

QALT vs. SEEM - Dividend Comparison

QALT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.46%, more than SEEM's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QALT SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	5.46%	5.15%	0.00%
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.42%	3.31%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QALT and SEEM in my portfolio?

QALT and SEEM have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QALT or SEEM?

On fees, SEEM is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QALT or SEEM?

SEEM is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for QALT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QALT or SEEM?

QALT has the higher dividend yield at 5.46%, compared with 2.42% for SEEM.

What is the main difference between QALT and SEEM?

QALT is categorized as Multistrategy, while SEEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for QALT and 0.60% for SEEM.