WAESX vs. XCEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WAESX (Wasatch Emerging Markets Select Fund) and XCEM (Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF) are both funds - WAESX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Wasatch, while XCEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index. Over the past 10 years, WAESX returned 8.28%/yr vs 12.99%/yr for XCEM. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WAESX charges 1.32%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for XCEM.

Performance

WAESX vs. XCEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wasatch Emerging Markets Select Fund (WAESX) 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, WAESX achieves a 6.04% return, which is significantly lower than XCEM's 38.32% return. Over the past 10 years, WAESX has underperformed XCEM with an annualized return of 8.28%, while XCEM has yielded a comparatively higher 12.99% annualized return.

WAESX

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 6.04%
• 6M: 6.62%
• 1Y: 11.10%
• 3Y*: 8.16%
• 5Y*: -0.96%
• 10Y*: 8.28%

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)

WAESX vs. XCEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WAESX Wasatch Emerging Markets Select Fund	6.04%	10.56%	-0.12%	17.52%	-37.38%	21.34%	48.36%	28.05%	-11.50%	37.66%
XCEM Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF	38.32%	34.05%	0.42%	19.96%	-17.59%	7.87%	9.47%	19.74%	-11.75%	34.78%

Correlation

The correlation between WAESX and XCEM is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 3, 2015	0.69

The correlation between WAESX and XCEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WAESX vs. XCEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

WAESX

WAESX Risk / Return Rank: 9
WAESX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
WAESX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
WAESX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
WAESX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
WAESX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

WAESX vs. XCEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wasatch Emerging Markets Select Fund (WAESX) 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.

	WAESX	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.63	3.42	-2.79
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.02	4.27	-3.26
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.61	-0.48
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	4.95	-3.98
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.17	19.98	-16.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WAESX vs. XCEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WAESX Sharpe Ratio is 0.63, which is lower than the XCEM Sharpe Ratio of 3.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WAESX 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

	WAESX	XCEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63	3.42	-2.79
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.05	0.68	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42	0.66	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.63	-0.36

Drawdowns

WAESX vs. XCEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WAESX drawdown since its inception was -45.85%, which is greater than XCEM's maximum drawdown of -41.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WAESX and XCEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	WAESX	XCEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.85%	-41.24%	-4.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.18%	-14.46%	+3.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.75%	-18.92%	-2.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.85%	-29.67%	-16.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.85%	-41.24%	-4.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.21%	-1.25%	-17.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.61%	-8.59%	-8.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	3.57%	-0.18%

Volatility

WAESX vs. XCEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Wasatch Emerging Markets Select Fund (WAESX) is 5.50%, while Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) has a volatility of 9.43%. This indicates that WAESX 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

	WAESX	XCEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	9.43%	-3.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.07%	18.72%	-4.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.08%	20.89%	-3.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.07%	17.75%	+2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.73%	19.72%	+0.01%

WAESX vs. XCEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

WAESX has a 1.32% expense ratio, which is higher than XCEM's 0.16% expense ratio.

Dividends

WAESX vs. XCEM - Dividend Comparison

WAESX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XCEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
WAESX Wasatch Emerging Markets Select Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.42%	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 WAESX and XCEM in my portfolio?

WAESX and XCEM have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WAESX or XCEM?

XCEM has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to WAESX (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WAESX dropped -45.85% vs XCEM's -41.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XCEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.42 vs 0.63), 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.