WCME vs. BAMU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WCME (First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF) and BAMU (Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WCME is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Actively Managed, while BAMU is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Brookstone. WCME is passively managed, while BAMU is actively managed. Over the past year, WCME returned 34.19% vs 2.91% for BAMU. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. WCME charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for BAMU.

Performance

WCME vs. BAMU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WCME achieves a 17.58% return, which is significantly higher than BAMU's 1.18% return.

WCME

• 1D: 1.04%
• 1M: 5.83%
• YTD: 17.58%
• 6M: 19.22%
• 1Y: 34.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BAMU

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.23%
• 1Y: 2.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WCME vs. BAMU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	17.58%	35.19%	-10.72%
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.18%	3.21%	0.82%

Correlation

The correlation between WCME and BAMU is -0.18, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2024	-0.11

Return for Risk

WCME vs. BAMU — Risk / Return Rank

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

WCME

WCME Risk / Return Rank: 46
WCME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
WCME Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
WCME Omega Ratio Rank: 47
WCME Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
WCME Martin Ratio Rank: 46

BAMU

BAMU Risk / Return Rank: 98
BAMU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Omega Ratio Rank: 98
BAMU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BAMU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

WCME vs. BAMU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) and Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU). 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.

	WCME	BAMU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	5.01	-3.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	8.84	-6.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	2.43	-1.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.20	24.72	-22.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.51	97.90	-90.39

WCME vs. BAMU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WCME Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is lower than the BAMU Sharpe Ratio of 5.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WCME and BAMU, 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

WCME vs. BAMU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCME drawdown since its inception was -15.64%, which is greater than BAMU's maximum drawdown of -0.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCME and BAMU.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCME	BAMU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.64%	-0.36%	-15.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.64%	-0.12%	-15.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.09%	0.00%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-0.02%	-3.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.57%	0.03%	+4.54%

Volatility

WCME vs. BAMU - Volatility Comparison

First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) has a higher volatility of 10.59% compared to Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) at 0.09%. This indicates that WCME's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BAMU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WCME	BAMU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.59%	0.09%	+10.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.34%	0.40%	+18.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.05%	0.58%	+21.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.68%	0.87%	+19.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.68%	0.87%	+19.81%

WCME vs. BAMU - Expense Ratio Comparison

WCME has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than BAMU's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

WCME vs. BAMU - Dividend Comparison

WCME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than BAMU's 3.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BAMU Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF	3.05%	3.20%	3.97%	0.84%
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	0.58%	0.68%	0.53%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WCME and BAMU in my portfolio?

WCME and BAMU have a correlation of -0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WCME or BAMU?

WCME has higher volatility (10.59%) compared to BAMU (0.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WCME dropped -15.64% vs BAMU's -0.36%.

Which ETF is better, WCME or BAMU?

On 1-year performance, WCME leads with 34.19% vs 2.91% for BAMU. On fees, WCME is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BAMU has been the lower-risk option at 0.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WCME or BAMU?

Over the 1-year period, WCME has performed better with a 34.19% return vs 2.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WCME or BAMU?

WCME is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for BAMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WCME or BAMU?

BAMU has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 0.58% for WCME.

What is the main difference between WCME and BAMU?

WCME is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while BAMU is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Brookstone. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for WCME and 1.09% for BAMU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAMU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.01 vs 1.56), 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.