RWEM vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RWEM (Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - RWEM tracks the FT Wilshire Emerging Large NxtGen Index while XCEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, RWEM returned 25.41%/yr vs 26.37%/yr for XCEM. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RWEM charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

RWEM vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF (RWEM) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RWEM achieves a 26.61% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 38.32% return.

RWEM

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 12.70%
• YTD: 26.61%
• 6M: 37.26%
• 1Y: 56.82%
• 3Y*: 25.41%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XCEM

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 12.13%
• YTD: 38.32%
• 6M: 44.13%
• 1Y: 71.14%
• 3Y*: 26.37%
• 5Y*: 11.95%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

RWEM vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
RWEM Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF	26.61%	28.17%	7.24%	21.56%	-20.11%	0.42%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	38.32%	34.05%	0.42%	19.96%	-17.59%	2.00%

Correlation

The correlation between RWEM and XCEM is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2021	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between RWEM and XCEM has dropped to 0.44 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

RWEM vs. XCEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RWEM	XCEM
Technology	36.8%	1.1%
Financial Services	23.6%	7.7%
Basic Materials	7.9%	0.7%
Industrials	6.5%	0.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	1.1%
Communication Services	4.5%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	0.3%
Energy	4.3%	0.2%
Utilities	2.5%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.0%
Healthcare	1.4%	0.1%

Return for Risk

RWEM vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

RWEM

RWEM Risk / Return Rank: 60
RWEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
RWEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
RWEM Omega Ratio Rank: 57
RWEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
RWEM Martin Ratio Rank: 66

XCEM

XCEM Risk / Return Rank: 90
XCEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
XCEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
XCEM Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XCEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
XCEM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

RWEM vs. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF (RWEM) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM). 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.

	RWEM	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	3.42	-1.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	4.27	-1.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.61	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.71	4.95	-1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.99	19.98	-7.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RWEM vs. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RWEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is lower than the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 3.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RWEM and XCEM, 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

	RWEM	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.79	3.42	-1.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.63	-0.04

Drawdowns

RWEM vs. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RWEM drawdown since its inception was -26.92%, smaller than the maximum XCEM drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RWEM and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	RWEM	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.92%	-41.24%	+14.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.39%	-14.46%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.56%	-18.92%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.67%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.25%	+1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.64%	-8.59%	-1.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.75%	3.57%	+1.18%

Volatility

RWEM vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF (RWEM) is 8.57%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 9.43%. This indicates that RWEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XCEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RWEM	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.57%	9.43%	-0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.47%	18.72%	+10.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.82%	20.89%	+10.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.36%	17.75%	+3.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.36%	19.72%	+1.64%

RWEM vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

RWEM has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than XCEM's 0.16% expense ratio.

Dividends

RWEM vs. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

RWEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.70%, less than XCEM's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RWEM Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.70%	2.15%	3.59%	1.60%	5.59%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	2.35%	3.25%	2.76%	1.22%	2.42%	1.94%	1.63%	2.11%	2.70%	9.56%	1.24%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RWEM and XCEM in my portfolio?

RWEM and XCEM have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RWEM or XCEM?

XCEM has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to RWEM (8.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RWEM dropped -26.92% vs XCEM's -41.24%.

Which ETF is better, RWEM or XCEM?

On 3-year performance, XCEM leads with 26.37% vs 25.41% for RWEM. On fees, XCEM is cheaper at 0.16% per year. On volatility, RWEM has been the lower-risk option at 8.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RWEM or XCEM?

Over the 3-year period, XCEM has performed better with a 26.37% return vs 25.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RWEM or XCEM?

XCEM is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RWEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RWEM or XCEM?

XCEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 1.70% for RWEM.

What is the main difference between RWEM and XCEM?

RWEM tracks FT Wilshire Emerging Large NxtGen Index, while XCEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: Rayliant and Ameriprise Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for RWEM and 0.16% for XCEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.42 vs 1.79), 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.