WCME vs. ROAM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

WCME (First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF) and ROAM (Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - WCME tracks the Actively Managed while ROAM tracks the Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, WCME returned 19.98% vs 34.03% for ROAM. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WCME charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.44%/yr for ROAM.

Performance

WCME vs. ROAM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WCME achieves a 8.95% return, which is significantly lower than ROAM's 19.49% return.

WCME

• 1D: -2.14%
• 1M: -3.72%
• 6M: 2.69%
• YTD: 8.95%
• 1Y: 19.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ROAM

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: -5.64%
• 6M: 13.58%
• YTD: 19.49%
• 1Y: 34.03%
• 3Y*: 21.01%
• 5Y*: 11.34%
• 10Y*: 8.60%

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

WCME vs. ROAM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	8.95%	35.19%	-10.72%
ROAM Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	19.49%	32.08%	-7.65%

Correlation

The correlation between WCME and ROAM is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2024	0.82

The correlation between WCME and ROAM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

WCME vs. ROAM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WCME	ROAM
Technology	39.4%	41.7%
Financial Services	15.0%	19.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.9%	5.9%
Healthcare	10.5%	3.2%
Industrials	7.4%	6.1%
Basic Materials	6.3%	3.6%
Energy	4.5%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.4%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	4.6%
Utilities	2.5%	2.5%
Real Estate	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

WCME vs. ROAM — Risk / Return Rank

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

WCME

WCME Risk / Return Rank: 30
WCME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
WCME Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
WCME Omega Ratio Rank: 29
WCME Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
WCME Martin Ratio Rank: 35

ROAM

ROAM Risk / Return Rank: 77
ROAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
ROAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ROAM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
ROAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ROAM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. ROAM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) and Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM). 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	ROAM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	2.00	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	2.60	-1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.37	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	3.45	-2.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.23	10.95	-6.72

WCME vs. ROAM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WCME Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is lower than the ROAM Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WCME and ROAM, 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. ROAM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCME drawdown since its inception was -15.64%, smaller than the maximum ROAM drawdown of -45.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCME and ROAM.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCME	ROAM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.64%	-45.47%	+29.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.64%	-9.92%	-5.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.79%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.07%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.43%	-7.49%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.75%	-11.06%	+7.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	3.11%	+1.62%

Volatility

WCME vs. ROAM - Volatility Comparison

First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) has a higher volatility of 8.96% compared to Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM) at 6.31%. This indicates that WCME's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ROAM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WCME	ROAM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.96%	6.31%	+2.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.66%	15.46%	+5.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.31%	17.09%	+6.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.22%	15.69%	+5.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.22%	17.90%	+3.32%

WCME vs. ROAM - Expense Ratio Comparison

WCME has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than ROAM's 0.44% expense ratio.

Dividends

WCME vs. ROAM - Dividend Comparison

WCME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.35%, less than ROAM's 2.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ROAM Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	2.45%	3.17%	4.15%	5.40%	5.23%	4.22%	3.04%	3.55%	2.54%	1.84%	1.89%	2.25%
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	0.35%	0.68%	0.53%	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 WCME and ROAM in my portfolio?

WCME and ROAM have a correlation of 0.84, 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 ROAM?

WCME has higher volatility (8.96%) compared to ROAM (6.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WCME dropped -15.64% vs ROAM's -45.47%.

Which ETF is better, WCME or ROAM?

On 1-year performance, ROAM leads with 34.03% vs 19.98% for WCME. On fees, ROAM is cheaper at 0.44% per year. On volatility, ROAM has been the lower-risk option at 6.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WCME or ROAM?

Over the 1-year period, ROAM has performed better with a 34.03% return vs 19.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WCME or ROAM?

ROAM is cheaper with a 0.44% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for WCME.

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

ROAM has the higher dividend yield at 2.45%, compared with 0.35% for WCME.

What is the main difference between WCME and ROAM?

WCME tracks Actively Managed, while ROAM tracks Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Hartford. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for WCME and 0.44% for ROAM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 0.86), 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.