REMG vs. DGS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

REMG (Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. REMG is actively managed, while DGS is passively managed. Over the past year, REMG returned 48.86% vs 23.97% for DGS. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. REMG charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DGS.

Performance

REMG vs. DGS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REMG achieves a 24.01% return, which is significantly higher than DGS's 12.85% return.

REMG

• 1D: -5.46%
• 1M: 1.92%
• YTD: 24.01%
• 6M: 25.35%
• 1Y: 48.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DGS

• 1D: -2.97%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 6M: 13.23%
• 1Y: 23.97%
• 3Y*: 15.58%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

REMG vs. DGS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
REMG Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF	24.01%	24.03%
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	12.85%	10.84%

Correlation

The correlation between REMG and DGS is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 30, 2025	0.85

The correlation between REMG and DGS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

REMG vs. DGS — Risk / Return Rank

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

REMG

REMG Risk / Return Rank: 73
REMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
REMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
REMG Omega Ratio Rank: 74
REMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
REMG Martin Ratio Rank: 77

DGS

DGS Risk / Return Rank: 45
DGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DGS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
DGS Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

REMG vs. DGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS). 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.

	REMG	DGS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	1.43	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	2.00	+0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.27	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.47	2.39	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.33	7.88	+5.45

REMG vs. DGS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REMG Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is higher than the DGS Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REMG and DGS, 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

REMG vs. DGS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REMG drawdown since its inception was -14.13%, smaller than the maximum DGS drawdown of -61.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REMG and DGS.

Drawdown Indicators

	REMG	DGS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.13%	-61.83%	+47.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.13%	-10.06%	-4.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.31%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.86%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.46%	-3.33%	-2.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-12.56%	+10.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.67%	3.05%	+0.62%

Volatility

REMG vs. DGS - Volatility Comparison

Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) has a higher volatility of 12.25% compared to WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) at 7.86%. This indicates that REMG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REMG	DGS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.25%	7.86%	+4.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.88%	14.73%	+6.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.12%	16.88%	+6.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.66%	15.19%	+7.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.66%	17.33%	+5.33%

REMG vs. DGS - Expense Ratio Comparison

REMG has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than DGS's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

REMG vs. DGS - Dividend Comparison

REMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.11%, less than DGS's 3.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	3.26%	3.45%	3.36%	4.55%	5.34%	3.98%	3.69%	3.95%	4.24%	2.81%	3.42%	3.28%
REMG Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.11%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REMG and DGS in my portfolio?

REMG and DGS have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, REMG or DGS?

REMG has higher volatility (12.25%) compared to DGS (7.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REMG dropped -14.13% vs DGS's -61.83%.

Which ETF is better, REMG or DGS?

On 1-year performance, REMG leads with 48.86% vs 23.97% for DGS. On fees, DGS is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, DGS has been the lower-risk option at 7.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REMG or DGS?

Over the 1-year period, REMG has performed better with a 48.86% return vs 23.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REMG or DGS?

DGS is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for REMG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, REMG or DGS?

DGS has the higher dividend yield at 3.26%, compared with 1.11% for REMG.

What is the main difference between REMG and DGS?

They also come from different issuers: Russell and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for REMG and 0.58% for DGS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.43), 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.