XEML vs. VGK

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

XEML (Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - XEML tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Leaders Index while VGK tracks the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XEML charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

XEML vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). 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 VGK's 4.70% return.

XEML

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

VGK

• 1D: -1.98%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 4.70%
• 6M: 7.74%
• 1Y: 16.09%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 8.05%
• 10Y*: 9.06%

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

XEML vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XEML Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF	1.49%	-0.42%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	4.70%	-0.00%

Correlation

The correlation between XEML and VGK is 0.94, 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	0.94

Return for Risk

XEML vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 30
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF (XEML) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). 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	VGK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.45	—
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	0.27	-0.15

Drawdowns

XEML vs. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XEML drawdown since its inception was -13.49%, smaller than the maximum VGK drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XEML and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	XEML	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.49%	-63.61%	+50.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.09%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.31%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.81%	-3.26%	-3.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.93%	-13.34%	+8.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.25%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XEML	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.32%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.97%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.83%	15.54%	+4.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.83%	17.91%	+1.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.83%	18.97%	+0.86%

XEML vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

XEML has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VGK's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

XEML vs. VGK - Dividend Comparison

XEML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less than VGK's 2.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.84%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%
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 VGK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, XEML and VGK move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, XEML or VGK?

On fees, VGK is cheaper at 0.06% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XEML or VGK?

VGK is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XEML.

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

VGK has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 0.10% for XEML.

What is the main difference between XEML and VGK?

XEML tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Leaders Index, while VGK tracks FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XEML and 0.06% for VGK.