WAISX vs. WAEMX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

WAISX (Wasatch International Select Fund) and WAEMX (Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund) are both mutual funds - WAISX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Wasatch, while WAEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Wasatch. Over the past 5 years, WAISX returned -2.25%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for WAEMX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WAISX charges 1.30%/yr vs 1.91%/yr for WAEMX.

Performance

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wasatch International Select Fund (WAISX) and Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WAISX achieves a -0.15% return, which is significantly lower than WAEMX's 20.00% return.

WAISX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: -1.66%
• 6M: -4.12%
• YTD: -0.15%
• 1Y: -11.13%
• 3Y*: 5.46%
• 5Y*: -2.25%
• 10Y*: —

WAEMX

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: -3.32%
• 6M: 17.24%
• YTD: 20.00%
• 1Y: 23.48%
• 3Y*: 11.16%
• 5Y*: 0.28%
• 10Y*: 7.85%

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

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
WAISX Wasatch International Select Fund	-0.15%	9.03%	1.18%	21.48%	-34.87%	4.99%	27.05%	12.00%
WAEMX Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	20.00%	5.85%	-2.21%	21.20%	-38.76%	30.16%	32.79%	11.52%

Correlation

The correlation between WAISX and WAEMX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2019	0.64

The correlation between WAISX and WAEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WAISX vs. WAEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WAISX

WAISX Risk / Return Rank: 1
WAISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
WAISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
WAISX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
WAISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
WAISX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

WAEMX

WAEMX Risk / Return Rank: 46
WAEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
WAEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
WAEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
WAEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
WAEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wasatch International Select Fund (WAISX) and Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX). 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.

	WAISX	WAEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.75	1.23	-1.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.99	1.85	-2.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	1.23	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.65	2.93	-3.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.24	8.17	-9.42

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WAISX Sharpe Ratio is -0.75, which is lower than the WAEMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WAISX and WAEMX, 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

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WAISX drawdown since its inception was -45.66%, smaller than the maximum WAEMX drawdown of -66.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WAISX and WAEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WAISX	WAEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.66%	-66.35%	+20.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.34%	-7.89%	-9.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.48%	-25.56%	+6.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.66%	-44.88%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.88%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.88%	-11.22%	-8.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.15%	-16.77%	-2.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.10%	2.83%	+6.27%

Volatility

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Wasatch International Select Fund (WAISX) is 5.20%, while Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (WAEMX) has a volatility of 7.48%. This indicates that WAISX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WAEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WAISX	WAEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.20%	7.48%	-2.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.06%	16.34%	-3.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.18%	18.84%	-3.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.29%	18.04%	+2.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.05%	18.28%	+2.77%

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WAISX has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is lower than WAEMX's 1.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

WAISX vs. WAEMX - Dividend Comparison

WAISX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while WAEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 58.66%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
WAEMX Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund	58.66%	70.40%	6.49%	0.00%	3.32%	6.03%	7.15%	5.82%	12.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%
WAISX Wasatch International Select Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WAISX and WAEMX in my portfolio?

WAISX and WAEMX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WAISX or WAEMX?

WAEMX has higher volatility (7.48%) compared to WAISX (5.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WAISX dropped -45.66% vs WAEMX's -66.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WAEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 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.