XC vs. RNEM

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

XC (WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund) and RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - XC tracks the WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Index - Benchmark TR Net while RNEM tracks the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, XC returned 9.35%/yr vs 6.73%/yr for RNEM. Their 0.78 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. XC charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RNEM.

Performance

XC vs. RNEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XC achieves a 0.10% return, which is significantly lower than RNEM's 3.95% return.

XC

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 1.18%
• 6M: -3.23%
• YTD: 0.10%
• 1Y: 7.41%
• 3Y*: 9.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.81%

RNEM

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 4.02%
• 6M: 1.40%
• YTD: 3.95%
• 1Y: 9.33%
• 3Y*: 6.73%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 4.46%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	$35.85K	$33.48K	$54.35K
XC WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund	$811.45K	$489.30K	$569.06K

XC vs. RNEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
XC WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund	0.10%	18.19%	5.49%	21.31%	1.58%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	3.95%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	2.87%

Correlation

The correlation between XC and RNEM is 0.88, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2022	0.78

The correlation between XC and RNEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (3 years) to 0.88 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XC vs. RNEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XC	RNEM
Financial Services	31.9%	36.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	10.0%
Industrials	10.9%	4.1%
Basic Materials	10.0%	13.8%
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	5.9%
Communication Services	6.3%	8.5%
Healthcare	4.9%	4.5%
Energy	4.5%	6.5%
Real Estate	4.0%	0.8%
Utilities	3.8%	3.4%
Technology	3.5%	6.5%

Return for Risk

XC vs. RNEM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

XC

XC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
XC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XC Omega Ratio Rank: 22
XC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XC Martin Ratio Rank: 21

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 29
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 29
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 28

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

XC vs. RNEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). 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.

	XC	RNEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	0.75	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.83	1.14	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.14	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.61	0.87	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.48	2.31	-0.84

XC vs. RNEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XC Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the RNEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XC and RNEM, 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

XC vs. RNEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XC drawdown since its inception was -20.97%, smaller than the maximum RNEM drawdown of -38.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XC and RNEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XC	RNEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.97%	-38.38%	+17.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.47%	-10.71%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.97%	-13.09%	-7.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.00%	-2.33%	-3.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.25%	-9.23%	+4.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.14%	4.04%	+1.10%

Volatility

XC vs. RNEM - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund (XC) has a higher volatility of 4.16% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) at 3.15%. This indicates that XC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RNEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XC	RNEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	3.15%	+1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.39%	10.89%	+2.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.98%	12.51%	+2.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.83%	14.47%	+1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.83%	17.14%	-1.31%

XC vs. RNEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

XC has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than RNEM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

XC vs. RNEM - Dividend Comparison

XC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.01%, more than RNEM's 2.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.28%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%
XC WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Fund	12.01%	11.74%	1.49%	1.42%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XC and RNEM in my portfolio?

XC and RNEM have a correlation of 0.88, 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 RNEM?

XC has higher volatility (4.16%) compared to RNEM (3.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XC dropped -20.97% vs RNEM's -38.38%.

Which ETF is better, XC or RNEM?

On 3-year performance, XC leads with 9.35% vs 6.73% for RNEM. On fees, XC is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XC or RNEM?

Over the 3-year period, XC has performed better with a 9.35% return vs 6.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XC or RNEM?

XC is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for RNEM.

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

XC has the higher dividend yield at 12.01%, compared with 2.28% for RNEM.

What is the main difference between XC and RNEM?

XC tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-China Index - Benchmark TR Net, while RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for XC and 0.75% for RNEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RNEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs 0.51), 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.