XEML vs. FDD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

XEML (Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF) and FDD (First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund) are both Europe Equities funds - XEML tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Leaders Index while FDD tracks the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XEML charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for FDD.

Performance

XEML vs. FDD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XEML achieves a 1.49% return, which is significantly lower than FDD's 10.04% return.

XEML

• 1D: -1.83%
• 1M: -1.97%
• YTD: 1.49%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDD

• 1D: -2.49%
• 1M: -1.39%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 30.64%
• 3Y*: 25.32%
• 5Y*: 10.74%
• 10Y*: 9.72%

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

XEML vs. FDD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XEML Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF	1.49%	-0.42%
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	10.04%	0.29%

Correlation

The correlation between XEML and FDD is 0.83, 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 Dec 24, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

XEML vs. FDD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDD

FDD Risk / Return Rank: 62
FDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FDD Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FDD Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

XEML vs. FDD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XEML	FDD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.97	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.12	0.09	+0.03

Drawdowns

XEML vs. FDD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XEML drawdown since its inception was -13.49%, smaller than the maximum FDD drawdown of -74.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XEML and FDD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XEML	FDD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.49%	-74.77%	+61.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.39%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.06%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.43%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.81%	-3.57%	-3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.93%	-35.45%	+30.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.80%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XEML	FDD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.42%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.83%	15.62%	+4.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.83%	18.43%	+1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.83%	20.17%	-0.34%

XEML vs. FDD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XEML has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FDD's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

XEML vs. FDD - Dividend Comparison

XEML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than FDD's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDD First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund	3.59%	3.99%	7.65%	6.85%	6.07%	3.44%	4.01%	4.69%	5.05%	2.78%	4.88%	4.35%
XEML Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%	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 XEML and FDD in my portfolio?

XEML and FDD have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XEML or FDD?

On fees, XEML is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XEML or FDD?

XEML is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for FDD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XEML or FDD?

FDD has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 0.10% for XEML.

What is the main difference between XEML and FDD?

XEML tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Leaders Index, while FDD tracks STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XEML and 0.58% for FDD.