XEML vs. RFEU

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

XEML (Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF) and RFEU (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF) are both Europe Equities funds. XEML is passively managed, while RFEU is actively managed. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XEML charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for RFEU.

Performance

XEML vs. RFEU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with XEML having a 1.49% return and RFEU slightly higher at 1.50%.

XEML

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

RFEU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 1.50%
• 6M: 4.12%
• 1Y: 13.19%
• 3Y*: 12.41%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

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

XEML vs. RFEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XEML Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF	1.49%	-0.42%
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	1.50%	0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between XEML and RFEU is 0.16, 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	0.16

Return for Risk

XEML vs. RFEU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFEU

RFEU Risk / Return Rank: 59
RFEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
RFEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
RFEU Omega Ratio Rank: 65
RFEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
RFEU Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. RFEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). 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	RFEU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.12	0.41	-0.29

Drawdowns

XEML vs. RFEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XEML drawdown since its inception was -13.49%, smaller than the maximum RFEU drawdown of -39.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XEML and RFEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XEML	RFEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.49%	-39.74%	+26.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.15%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.48%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.92%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.81%	-0.11%	-6.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.93%	-9.62%	+4.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.35%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XEML	RFEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.00%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.83%	8.66%	+11.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.83%	16.76%	+3.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.83%	17.85%	+1.98%

XEML vs. RFEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XEML has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than RFEU's 0.83% expense ratio.

Dividends

XEML vs. RFEU - Dividend Comparison

XEML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than RFEU's 2.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	2.83%	2.87%	5.45%	3.37%	4.98%	1.82%	2.32%	3.08%	2.84%	1.35%	3.16%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XEML and RFEU in my portfolio?

XEML and RFEU have a correlation of 0.16, 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 RFEU?

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 RFEU?

XEML is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFEU.

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

RFEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 0.10% for XEML.

What is the main difference between XEML and RFEU?

They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XEML and 0.83% for RFEU.