SLAFX vs. MXE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SLAFX (DWS Latin America Equity Fund) and MXE (Mexico Equity and Income Fund Inc) are both Latin America Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SLAFX returned 11.36%/yr vs 3.14%/yr for MXE. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SLAFX charges 1.26%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for MXE.

Performance

SLAFX vs. MXE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DWS Latin America Equity Fund (SLAFX) and Mexico Equity and Income Fund Inc (MXE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLAFX achieves a 8.49% return, which is significantly higher than MXE's 3.95% return. Over the past 10 years, SLAFX has outperformed MXE with an annualized return of 11.36%, while MXE has yielded a comparatively lower 3.14% annualized return.

SLAFX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: -2.47%
• YTD: 8.49%
• 6M: 8.31%
• 1Y: 28.31%
• 3Y*: 10.43%
• 5Y*: 7.23%
• 10Y*: 11.36%

MXE

• 1D: -5.01%
• 1M: -4.10%
• YTD: 3.95%
• 6M: 4.21%
• 1Y: 29.36%
• 3Y*: 11.97%
• 5Y*: 2.98%
• 10Y*: 3.14%

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

SLAFX vs. MXE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLAFX DWS Latin America Equity Fund	8.49%	54.49%	-28.35%	33.60%	8.33%	-8.82%	0.94%	35.92%	-2.59%	32.53%
MXE Mexico Equity and Income Fund Inc	3.95%	57.14%	-25.74%	31.01%	-1.57%	-8.42%	-16.03%	16.39%	-1.84%	12.41%

Correlation

The correlation between SLAFX and MXE is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 1993	0.54

The correlation between SLAFX and MXE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SLAFX vs. MXE — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLAFX

SLAFX Risk / Return Rank: 26
SLAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
SLAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
SLAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
SLAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SLAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

MXE

MXE Risk / Return Rank: 30
MXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
MXE Omega Ratio Rank: 28
MXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MXE Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

SLAFX vs. MXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DWS Latin America Equity Fund (SLAFX) and Mexico Equity and Income Fund Inc (MXE). 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.

	SLAFX	MXE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.39	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	1.92	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.26	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	2.09	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.76	7.12	-1.36

SLAFX vs. MXE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLAFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the MXE Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLAFX and MXE, 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

SLAFX vs. MXE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLAFX drawdown since its inception was -70.68%, smaller than the maximum MXE drawdown of -81.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLAFX and MXE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLAFX	MXE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.68%	-81.73%	+11.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.65%	-14.14%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.46%	-28.77%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.87%	-42.10%	+12.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.90%	-52.04%	+1.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.06%	-9.43%	-1.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.19%	-34.14%	+11.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.91%	4.13%	+0.78%

Volatility

SLAFX vs. MXE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DWS Latin America Equity Fund (SLAFX) is 6.08%, while Mexico Equity and Income Fund Inc (MXE) has a volatility of 8.53%. This indicates that SLAFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MXE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLAFX	MXE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.08%	8.53%	-2.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.81%	19.33%	-1.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.78%	21.29%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.29%	20.48%	+2.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.98%	23.04%	+3.94%

SLAFX vs. MXE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLAFX has a 1.26% expense ratio, which is higher than MXE's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLAFX vs. MXE - Dividend Comparison

SLAFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.77%, more than MXE's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MXE Mexico Equity and Income Fund Inc	1.82%	1.89%	3.71%	2.69%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.04%	0.01%	0.47%	0.00%	5.20%
SLAFX DWS Latin America Equity Fund	3.77%	4.09%	5.41%	3.40%	7.44%	14.43%	0.00%	0.11%	0.00%	4.47%	1.82%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLAFX and MXE in my portfolio?

SLAFX and MXE have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLAFX or MXE?

MXE has higher volatility (8.53%) compared to SLAFX (6.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLAFX dropped -70.68% vs MXE's -81.73%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.31), 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.