SEEM vs. QALT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

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

Performance

SEEM vs. QALT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEEM achieves a 27.14% return, which is significantly higher than QALT's 6.57% return.

SEEM

• 1D: -5.14%
• 1M: 3.27%
• YTD: 27.14%
• 6M: 28.59%
• 1Y: 52.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QALT

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 1.16%
• YTD: 6.57%
• 6M: 6.53%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEEM vs. QALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	27.14%	9.62%
QALT SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	6.57%	53.86%

Correlation

The correlation between SEEM and QALT 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 25, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

SEEM vs. QALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEEM

SEEM Risk / Return Rank: 79
SEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
SEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
SEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
SEEM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

QALT

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

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.

SEEM vs. QALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	SEEM	QALT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.77	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.37	—	—

Drawdowns

SEEM vs. QALT - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	SEEM	QALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.34%	-4.85%	-9.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.14%	-0.82%	-4.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.67%	-1.31%	-1.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.67%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SEEM	QALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.79%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.00%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.18%	51.86%	-29.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.11%	51.86%	-30.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.11%	51.86%	-30.75%

SEEM vs. QALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SEEM vs. QALT - Dividend Comparison

SEEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, less than QALT's 5.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QALT SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	5.44%	5.15%	0.00%
SEEM SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.49%	3.31%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEEM and QALT in my portfolio?

SEEM and QALT 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, SEEM or QALT?

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, SEEM or QALT?

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

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

QALT has the higher dividend yield at 5.44%, compared with 2.49% for SEEM.

What is the main difference between SEEM and QALT?

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