XC vs. PEMX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XC (WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund) and PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. XC is passively managed, while PEMX is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, XC returned 9.87%/yr vs 34.73%/yr for PEMX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XC charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PEMX.

Performance

XC vs. PEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XC achieves a -3.47% return, which is significantly lower than PEMX's 40.36% return.

XC

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -1.76%
• YTD: -3.47%
• 6M: -2.10%
• 1Y: 8.33%
• 3Y*: 9.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEMX

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 11.09%
• YTD: 40.36%
• 6M: 45.50%
• 1Y: 75.31%
• 3Y*: 34.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XC vs. PEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
XC WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund	-3.47%	18.19%	5.49%	14.27%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	40.36%	34.01%	17.21%	15.13%

Correlation

The correlation between XC and PEMX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2023	0.87

The correlation between XC and PEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

XC vs. PEMX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XC	PEMX
Financial Services	13.8%	24.4%
Basic Materials	7.0%	2.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	1.2%
Industrials	4.7%	8.6%
Communication Services	2.7%	6.6%
Energy	1.6%	-
Utilities	1.3%	4.5%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.9%
Technology	1.2%	45.0%
Healthcare	0.7%	1.9%

Return for Risk

XC vs. PEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

XC

XC Risk / Return Rank: 18
XC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
XC Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XC Omega Ratio Rank: 17
XC Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
XC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 90
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

XC vs. PEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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.

	XC	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	3.52	-2.95
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.91	4.30	-3.39
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.59	-0.48
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.67	5.24	-4.57
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.94	20.66	-18.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XC vs. PEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XC Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is lower than the PEMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XC and PEMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XC	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.57	3.52	-2.95
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	1.99	-1.27

Drawdowns

XC vs. PEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XC drawdown since its inception was -20.97%, which is greater than PEMX's maximum drawdown of -14.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XC and PEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XC	PEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.97%	-14.91%	-6.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.47%	-14.45%	+1.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.97%	-14.91%	-6.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.35%	-0.63%	-8.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.12%	-2.84%	-1.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.29%	3.66%	+0.63%

Volatility

XC vs. PEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC) is 5.00%, while Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) has a volatility of 9.67%. This indicates that XC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XC	PEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.00%	9.67%	-4.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.60%	18.73%	-6.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.78%	21.51%	-6.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.87%	18.18%	-2.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.87%	18.18%	-2.31%

XC vs. PEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XC has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than PEMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

XC vs. PEMX - Dividend Comparison

XC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.41%, more than PEMX's 4.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	4.99%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%	0.00%
XC WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund	12.41%	11.74%	1.49%	1.42%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XC and PEMX in my portfolio?

XC and PEMX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XC or PEMX?

PEMX has higher volatility (9.67%) compared to XC (5.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XC dropped -20.97% vs PEMX's -14.91%.

Which ETF is better, XC or PEMX?

On 3-year performance, PEMX leads with 34.73% vs 9.87% for XC. On fees, XC is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, XC has been the lower-risk option at 5.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XC or PEMX?

Over the 3-year period, PEMX has performed better with a 34.73% return vs 9.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XC or PEMX?

XC is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XC or PEMX?

XC has the higher dividend yield at 12.41%, compared with 4.99% for PEMX.

What is the main difference between XC and PEMX?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for XC and 0.85% for PEMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.52 vs 0.57), 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.