XEML vs. RFEU
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 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XEML charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for RFEU.
Performance
XEML vs. RFEU - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, XEML achieves a 4.05% return, which is significantly higher than RFEU's 1.50% return.
XEML
- 1D
- 0.95%
- 1M
- 1.17%
- YTD
- 4.05%
- 6M
- 3.58%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
RFEU
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- 0.00%
- YTD
- 1.50%
- 6M
- 1.59%
- 1Y
- 13.58%
- 3Y*
- 12.26%
- 5Y*
- 3.74%
- 10Y*
- 8.32%
XEML vs. RFEU - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
XEML Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF | 4.05% | -0.42% |
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | 1.50% | 0.72% |
Correlation
The correlation between XEML and RFEU is 0.15, 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 23, 2025 | 0.15 |
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Return for Risk
XEML vs. RFEU — Risk / Return Rank
XEML
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
RFEU
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.
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.
| XEML | RFEU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.42 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 2.91 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 10.98 | — |
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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.
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Drawdown Indicators
| XEML | RFEU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest 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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.46% | -0.11% | -4.35% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.91% | -9.56% | +4.65% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 1.35% | — |
Volatility
XEML vs. RFEU - Volatility Comparison
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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 | — | 3.15% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.55% | 8.31% | +11.24% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.55% | 16.75% | +2.80% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.55% | 17.52% | +2.03% |
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 1.79%, 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 | 1.79% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
XEML and RFEU have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
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.
XEML is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFEU.
RFEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 1.79% for XEML.
They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XEML and 0.83% for RFEU.
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