WGFIX vs. WBELX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WGFIX (William Blair Global Leaders Fund) and WBELX (William Blair Emerging Markets Leaders Fund) are both mutual funds - WGFIX is a Global Equities fund managed by William Blair, while WBELX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by William Blair. Over the past 10 years, WGFIX returned 11.80%/yr vs 8.77%/yr for WBELX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WGFIX charges 0.90%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for WBELX.

Performance

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in William Blair Global Leaders Fund (WGFIX) and William Blair Emerging Markets Leaders Fund (WBELX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WGFIX achieves a 9.97% return, which is significantly lower than WBELX's 21.74% return. Over the past 10 years, WGFIX has outperformed WBELX with an annualized return of 11.80%, while WBELX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.77% annualized return.

WGFIX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 4.30%
• YTD: 9.97%
• 6M: 9.64%
• 1Y: 21.64%
• 3Y*: 13.27%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: 11.80%

WBELX

• 1D: 1.36%
• 1M: 7.87%
• YTD: 21.74%
• 6M: 22.70%
• 1Y: 43.24%
• 3Y*: 18.35%
• 5Y*: 2.95%
• 10Y*: 8.77%

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

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WGFIX William Blair Global Leaders Fund	9.97%	16.06%	7.52%	23.02%	-29.32%	16.71%	32.06%	31.97%	-8.04%	30.67%
WBELX William Blair Emerging Markets Leaders Fund	21.74%	26.44%	5.86%	6.14%	-25.85%	-7.51%	27.53%	28.37%	-17.41%	41.89%

Correlation

The correlation between WGFIX and WBELX is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2008	0.73

The correlation between WGFIX and WBELX shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (3 years) to 0.73 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WGFIX vs. WBELX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WGFIX

WGFIX Risk / Return Rank: 30
WGFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
WGFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
WGFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
WGFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
WGFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

WBELX

WBELX Risk / Return Rank: 59
WBELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
WBELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
WBELX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
WBELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
WBELX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for William Blair Global Leaders Fund (WGFIX) and William Blair Emerging Markets Leaders Fund (WBELX). 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.

	WGFIX	WBELX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.13	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.79	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.40	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	2.93	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.70	10.40	-3.71

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WGFIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the WBELX Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WGFIX and WBELX, 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

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WGFIX drawdown since its inception was -59.51%, smaller than the maximum WBELX drawdown of -64.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WGFIX and WBELX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WGFIX	WBELX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.51%	-64.98%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.11%	-14.72%	+1.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.90%	-16.98%	-1.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.76%	-39.63%	+0.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.76%	-45.26%	+6.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.84%	-18.73%	+6.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	4.12%	-0.77%

Volatility

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for William Blair Global Leaders Fund (WGFIX) is 6.96%, while William Blair Emerging Markets Leaders Fund (WBELX) has a volatility of 9.98%. This indicates that WGFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WBELX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WGFIX	WBELX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.96%	9.98%	-3.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.52%	17.38%	-4.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.83%	20.23%	-5.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.95%	17.21%	+1.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	17.74%	+1.21%

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WGFIX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than WBELX's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

WGFIX vs. WBELX - Dividend Comparison

WGFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 77.78%, more than WBELX's 0.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
WBELX William Blair Emerging Markets Leaders Fund	0.72%	0.88%	0.25%	0.78%	0.99%	8.25%	1.00%	0.88%	10.92%	0.67%	0.13%	0.46%
WGFIX William Blair Global Leaders Fund	77.78%	85.53%	54.25%	6.65%	2.17%	5.65%	12.57%	1.35%	17.62%	4.24%	0.72%	5.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WGFIX and WBELX in my portfolio?

WGFIX and WBELX have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WGFIX or WBELX?

WBELX has higher volatility (9.98%) compared to WGFIX (6.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WGFIX dropped -59.51% vs WBELX's -64.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WBELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.52), 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.