DBEM vs VOO
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. DBEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. DBEM offers more diversification with 1,175 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $109M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,175 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.86% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.26% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.09% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.84% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DBEM vs VOO Performance
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF (DBEM) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBEM returned +40.26% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, DBEM is up 20.86% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, DBEM compounded at +23.09% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.84% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +3.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DBEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% compared with 14.2% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -51.7% for DBEM and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBEM charges 0.66% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $3 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBEM currently yields 2.31% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DBEM and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1658 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DBEM | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.07% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DBEM or VOO?
DBEM has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBEM or VOO?
Over the past year DBEM returned +40.26% vs +21.79% for VOO, so DBEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DBEM annualized +3.78% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBEM or VOO?
DBEM has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DBEM -51.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DBEM and VOO?
DBEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBEM and VOO?
DBEM and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1658 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBEM or VOO?
DBEM yields 2.31% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DBEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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