WCME vs. VEXC

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

WCME (First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - WCME tracks the Actively Managed while VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WCME charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

WCME vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WCME achieves a 14.24% return, which is significantly lower than VEXC's 20.48% return.

WCME

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 2.08%
• YTD: 14.24%
• 6M: 14.00%
• 1Y: 29.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEXC

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 3.69%
• YTD: 20.48%
• 6M: 23.73%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WCME vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	14.24%	-0.67%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.48%	4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between WCME and VEXC is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2025	0.87

Return for Risk

WCME vs. VEXC — 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: 42
WCME Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
WCME Omega Ratio Rank: 42
WCME Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
WCME Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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.

	WCME	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.64	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	WCME	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.09	2.23	-1.14

Drawdowns

WCME vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCME drawdown since its inception was -15.64%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCME and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCME	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.64%	-12.42%	-3.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.93%	-0.97%	-1.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.67%	-2.22%	-1.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WCME	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.98%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.23%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.17%	18.84%	+1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.72%	18.84%	+0.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.72%	18.84%	+0.88%

WCME vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

WCME has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

WCME vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

WCME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, less than VEXC's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	0.43%	0.00%
WCME First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF	0.60%	0.68%	0.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WCME and VEXC in my portfolio?

WCME and VEXC have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WCME or VEXC?

On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WCME or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for WCME.

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

VEXC has the higher dividend yield at 0.74%, compared with 0.60% for WCME.

What is the main difference between WCME and VEXC?

WCME tracks Actively Managed, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for WCME and 0.07% for VEXC.