USEMX vs. LCSMX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

USEMX (USAA Emerging Markets Fund) and LCSMX (Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 5 years, USEMX returned 9.07%/yr vs 10.67%/yr for LCSMX. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USEMX charges 1.47%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for LCSMX.

Performance

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in USAA Emerging Markets Fund (USEMX) and Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund (LCSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USEMX achieves a 28.32% return, which is significantly lower than LCSMX's 57.98% return.

USEMX

• 1D: -5.39%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 28.32%
• 6M: 29.86%
• 1Y: 50.39%
• 3Y*: 24.94%
• 5Y*: 9.07%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

LCSMX

• 1D: -8.21%
• 1M: 5.13%
• YTD: 57.98%
• 6M: 62.83%
• 1Y: 107.74%
• 3Y*: 29.26%
• 5Y*: 10.67%
• 10Y*: —

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

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
USEMX USAA Emerging Markets Fund	28.32%	36.50%	5.13%	16.07%	-20.24%	-1.22%	16.74%	22.91%	-21.84%
LCSMX Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund	57.98%	51.52%	-13.60%	16.26%	-27.25%	4.73%	35.72%	6.81%	1.42%

Correlation

The correlation between USEMX and LCSMX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2018	0.80

The correlation between USEMX and LCSMX shifts across timeframes, from 0.80 (all time) to 0.92 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

USEMX vs. LCSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

USEMX

USEMX Risk / Return Rank: 85
USEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
USEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
USEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
USEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
USEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

LCSMX

LCSMX Risk / Return Rank: 95
LCSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
LCSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
LCSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
LCSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
LCSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for USAA Emerging Markets Fund (USEMX) and Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund (LCSMX). 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.

	USEMX	LCSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	3.76	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	3.86	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.66	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	7.47	-3.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.02	26.79	-10.77

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is lower than the LCSMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USEMX and LCSMX, 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

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USEMX drawdown since its inception was -64.84%, which is greater than LCSMX's maximum drawdown of -39.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USEMX and LCSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	USEMX	LCSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.84%	-39.72%	-25.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.93%	-15.39%	+2.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.26%	-23.31%	+7.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.15%	-39.72%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.39%	-8.21%	+2.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.27%	-13.68%	-5.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	4.28%	-0.88%

Volatility

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for USAA Emerging Markets Fund (USEMX) is 12.01%, while Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund (LCSMX) has a volatility of 19.24%. This indicates that USEMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LCSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USEMX	LCSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	19.24%	-7.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.00%	28.61%	-9.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.29%	30.56%	-9.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.55%	20.70%	-3.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	20.82%	-2.77%

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

USEMX has a 1.47% expense ratio, which is higher than LCSMX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

USEMX vs. LCSMX - Dividend Comparison

USEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.80%, more than LCSMX's 0.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LCSMX Martin Currie SMA-Shares Series EM Fund	0.63%	1.00%	1.29%	1.22%	1.11%	3.03%	0.48%	0.88%	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USEMX USAA Emerging Markets Fund	6.80%	8.73%	3.20%	1.83%	1.73%	0.70%	1.04%	0.32%	1.29%	0.33%	0.91%	0.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USEMX and LCSMX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, USEMX and LCSMX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, USEMX or LCSMX?

LCSMX has higher volatility (19.24%) compared to USEMX (12.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USEMX dropped -64.84% vs LCSMX's -39.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LCSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.76 vs 2.57), 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.