XEML vs. PSWD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

XEML (Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF) and PSWD (Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XEML is a Europe Equities fund tracking the STOXX Europe Total Market Leaders Index, while PSWD is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XEML charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for PSWD.

Performance

XEML vs. PSWD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD). 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 PSWD's 17.33% return.

XEML

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

PSWD

• 1D: -4.39%
• 1M: 14.93%
• YTD: 17.33%
• 6M: 13.10%
• 1Y: 9.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XEML vs. PSWD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XEML Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF	1.49%	-0.42%
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	17.33%	-1.65%

Correlation

The correlation between XEML and PSWD is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 24, 2025	0.26

Return for Risk

XEML vs. PSWD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSWD

PSWD Risk / Return Rank: 15
PSWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
PSWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
PSWD Omega Ratio Rank: 16
PSWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
PSWD Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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. PSWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD). 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	PSWD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.12	0.69	-0.57

Drawdowns

XEML vs. PSWD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XEML drawdown since its inception was -13.49%, smaller than the maximum PSWD drawdown of -23.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XEML and PSWD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XEML	PSWD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.49%	-23.70%	+10.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-23.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.81%	-7.39%	+0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.93%	-6.46%	+1.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	10.39%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XEML	PSWD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	12.20%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	21.35%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.83%	25.85%	-6.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.83%	23.79%	-3.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.83%	23.79%	-3.96%

XEML vs. PSWD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XEML has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than PSWD's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

XEML vs. PSWD - Dividend Comparison

XEML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than PSWD's 0.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	0.75%	0.88%	1.49%	0.55%
XEML Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XEML and PSWD in my portfolio?

XEML and PSWD have a correlation of 0.26, 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 PSWD?

On fees, PSWD is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XEML or PSWD?

PSWD is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XEML.

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

PSWD has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.10% for XEML.

What is the main difference between XEML and PSWD?

XEML is categorized as Europe Equities, while PSWD is Technology Equities. XEML tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Leaders Index, while PSWD tracks Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XEML and 0.20% for PSWD.