SDEM vs. CRF

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SDEM (Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF) and CRF (Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc.) are both funds - SDEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Top 50 Dividend, while CRF is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Cornerstone. Over the past 10 years, SDEM returned 5.26%/yr vs 11.48%/yr for CRF. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDEM charges 0.67%/yr vs 1.84%/yr for CRF.

Performance

SDEM vs. CRF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) and Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. (CRF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDEM achieves a 11.17% return, which is significantly higher than CRF's -3.31% return. Over the past 10 years, SDEM has underperformed CRF with an annualized return of 5.26%, while CRF has yielded a comparatively higher 11.48% annualized return.

SDEM

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 11.17%
• 6M: 12.41%
• 1Y: 28.12%
• 3Y*: 19.18%
• 5Y*: 4.51%
• 10Y*: 5.26%

CRF

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: -1.82%
• YTD: -3.31%
• 6M: -1.76%
• 1Y: 11.58%
• 3Y*: 15.78%
• 5Y*: 9.57%
• 10Y*: 11.48%

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

SDEM vs. CRF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	11.17%	32.01%	4.02%	12.64%	-21.53%	2.11%	-11.13%	17.56%	-17.40%	16.57%
CRF Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc.	-3.31%	12.46%	44.39%	19.49%	-36.70%	39.73%	28.13%	21.74%	-11.74%	21.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SDEM and CRF is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 17, 2015	0.36

The correlation between SDEM and CRF shifts across timeframes, from 0.31 (3 years) to 0.43 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SDEM vs. CRF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDEM

SDEM Risk / Return Rank: 69
SDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
SDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
SDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

CRF

CRF Risk / Return Rank: 13
CRF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
CRF Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
CRF Omega Ratio Rank: 15
CRF Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
CRF Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

SDEM vs. CRF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) and Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. (CRF). 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.

	SDEM	CRF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	0.75	+1.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	1.14	+1.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.15	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.13	0.78	+2.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.28	2.59	+7.69

SDEM vs. CRF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the CRF Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDEM and CRF, 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

SDEM vs. CRF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDEM drawdown since its inception was -47.38%, smaller than the maximum CRF drawdown of -80.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDEM and CRF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDEM	CRF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.38%	-80.70%	+33.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.03%	-14.88%	+5.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.34%	-29.66%	+17.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.25%	-43.12%	+6.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.38%	-45.90%	-1.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.49%	-5.09%	+1.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.66%	-22.31%	+1.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	4.48%	-1.74%

Volatility

SDEM vs. CRF - Volatility Comparison

Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) has a higher volatility of 4.90% compared to Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. (CRF) at 4.16%. This indicates that SDEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CRF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDEM	CRF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	4.16%	+0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.48%	13.41%	-1.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.91%	15.41%	-1.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.47%	25.07%	-7.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.22%	25.86%	-6.64%

SDEM vs. CRF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDEM has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is lower than CRF's 1.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDEM vs. CRF - Dividend Comparison

SDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.99%, less than CRF's 19.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CRF Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc.	19.63%	17.38%	14.32%	19.94%	29.31%	13.41%	18.91%	21.67%	24.85%	17.96%	24.08%	23.58%
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	4.99%	5.27%	7.28%	7.50%	8.86%	8.14%	6.30%	6.47%	6.55%	5.01%	5.06%	6.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDEM and CRF in my portfolio?

SDEM and CRF have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDEM or CRF?

SDEM has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to CRF (4.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDEM dropped -47.38% vs CRF's -80.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 0.75), 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.