Those two ETFs are up an average of 12% this year while the iShares MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: EFAV) is higher by 11.4%.
Emerging markets stand as one market segment where low volatility has trumped high beta. The PowerShares S&P Emerging Markets High Beta Portfolio (NYSEArca: EEHB) is off 11.8% year-to-date, but the PowerShares S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility Portfolio (NYSEArca: EELV) and the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: EEMV) are down just 2% apiece. [Two ETFs for Emerging Markets Seasonality]
PowerShares S&P 500 High Beta Portfolio
ETF Trends editorial team contributed to this post.