WCME vs. BKEM

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

WCME (First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF) and BKEM (BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - WCME tracks the Actively Managed while BKEM tracks the Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, WCME returned 26.41% vs 41.94% for BKEM. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WCME charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for BKEM.

Performance

WCME vs. BKEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WCME achieves a 13.82% return, which is significantly lower than BKEM's 24.62% return.

WCME

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 1.48%
• 6M: 7.84%
• YTD: 13.82%
• 1Y: 26.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BKEM

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: -1.26%
• 6M: 19.40%
• YTD: 24.62%
• 1Y: 41.94%
• 3Y*: 21.47%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

WCME vs. BKEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	13.82%	35.19%	-10.72%
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	24.62%	30.55%	-8.94%

Correlation

The correlation between WCME and BKEM is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2024	0.87

The correlation between WCME and BKEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

WCME vs. BKEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WCME	BKEM
Technology	39.4%	43.0%
Financial Services	15.0%	16.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	8.7%
Healthcare	10.5%	2.7%
Industrials	7.4%	8.1%
Basic Materials	6.3%	5.7%
Energy	4.5%	3.4%
Communication Services	3.4%	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	2.6%
Utilities	2.5%	2.0%
Real Estate	-	1.1%

Return for Risk

WCME vs. BKEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

WCME

WCME Risk / Return Rank: 41
WCME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
WCME Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
WCME Omega Ratio Rank: 41
WCME Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
WCME Martin Ratio Rank: 44

BKEM

BKEM Risk / Return Rank: 72
BKEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
BKEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
BKEM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
BKEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
BKEM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. BKEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) and BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM). 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	BKEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.84	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	2.39	-0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.34	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	3.18	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.64	10.97	-5.33

WCME vs. BKEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WCME Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the BKEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WCME and BKEM, 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. BKEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCME drawdown since its inception was -15.64%, smaller than the maximum BKEM drawdown of -39.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCME and BKEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCME	BKEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.64%	-39.48%	+23.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.64%	-13.11%	-2.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.38%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.29%	-5.63%	+2.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-15.81%	+12.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.67%	3.79%	+0.88%

Volatility

WCME vs. BKEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) is 9.60%, while BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BKEM) has a volatility of 10.31%. This indicates that WCME experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BKEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WCME	BKEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.60%	10.31%	-0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.18%	20.58%	-0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.88%	22.56%	+0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.03%	19.42%	+1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.03%	19.60%	+1.43%

WCME vs. BKEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

WCME has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than BKEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

WCME vs. BKEM - Dividend Comparison

WCME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than BKEM's 1.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKEM BNY Mellon Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.88%	2.25%	2.76%	3.02%	3.15%	2.22%	1.78%
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	0.34%	0.68%	0.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WCME and BKEM in my portfolio?

WCME and BKEM have a correlation of 0.90, 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 BKEM?

BKEM has higher volatility (10.31%) compared to WCME (9.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WCME dropped -15.64% vs BKEM's -39.48%.

Which ETF is better, WCME or BKEM?

On 1-year performance, BKEM leads with 41.94% vs 26.41% for WCME. On fees, BKEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, WCME has been the lower-risk option at 9.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WCME or BKEM?

Over the 1-year period, BKEM has performed better with a 41.94% return vs 26.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WCME or BKEM?

BKEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for WCME.

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

BKEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.88%, compared with 0.34% for WCME.

What is the main difference between WCME and BKEM?

WCME tracks Actively Managed, while BKEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Large Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and BNY Mellon. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for WCME and 0.11% for BKEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.15), 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.