AVES vs. RNEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AVES (Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF) and RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. AVES is actively managed, while RNEM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVES returned 16.78%/yr vs 6.03%/yr for RNEM. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVES charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RNEM.

Performance

AVES vs. RNEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVES achieves a 10.96% return, which is significantly higher than RNEM's 0.25% return.

AVES

• 1D: -2.19%
• 1M: -3.94%
• 6M: 6.52%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 1Y: 22.31%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RNEM

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.16%
• 6M: -1.96%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 1Y: 2.60%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

AVES vs. RNEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	10.96%	30.49%	4.50%	16.79%	-16.04%	0.95%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	0.25%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	-8.75%	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between AVES and RNEM is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	0.79

The correlation between AVES and RNEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVES vs. RNEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVES

AVES Risk / Return Rank: 42
AVES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
AVES Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
AVES Omega Ratio Rank: 43
AVES Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
AVES Martin Ratio Rank: 45

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 12
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 11
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

AVES vs. RNEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). 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.

	AVES	RNEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	0.21	+0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	0.39	+1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.05	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	0.24	+1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	0.65	+5.24

AVES vs. RNEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVES Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is higher than the RNEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVES and RNEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AVES vs. RNEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVES drawdown since its inception was -27.40%, smaller than the maximum RNEM drawdown of -38.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVES and RNEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVES	RNEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.40%	-38.38%	+10.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.90%	-10.71%	-2.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.50%	-13.09%	-5.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.65%	-5.81%	-0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.65%	-9.26%	+1.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.79%	3.99%	-0.20%

Volatility

AVES vs. RNEM - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF (AVES) has a higher volatility of 8.77% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) at 3.75%. This indicates that AVES's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RNEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVES	RNEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.77%	3.75%	+5.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.36%	10.93%	+6.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.40%	12.51%	+6.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.40%	14.48%	+2.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	17.18%	+0.22%

AVES vs. RNEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVES has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than RNEM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVES vs. RNEM - Dividend Comparison

AVES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, more than RNEM's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AVES Avantis Emerging Markets Value ETF	2.51%	3.17%	4.09%	3.96%	3.70%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.37%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVES and RNEM in my portfolio?

AVES and RNEM have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AVES or RNEM?

AVES has higher volatility (8.77%) compared to RNEM (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVES dropped -27.40% vs RNEM's -38.38%.

Which ETF is better, AVES or RNEM?

On 3-year performance, AVES leads with 16.78% vs 6.03% for RNEM. On fees, AVES is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVES or RNEM?

Over the 3-year period, AVES has performed better with a 16.78% return vs 6.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVES or RNEM?

AVES is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for RNEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVES or RNEM?

AVES has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 2.37% for RNEM.

What is the main difference between AVES and RNEM?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for AVES and 0.75% for RNEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVES currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.16 vs 0.21), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.