BREE vs. EMDM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BREE (MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and EMDM (First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. BREE is actively managed, while EMDM is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BREE charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for EMDM.

Performance

BREE vs. EMDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BREE) and First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BREE

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 10.36%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EMDM

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: 11.04%
• YTD: 39.03%
• 6M: 45.21%
• 1Y: 91.32%
• 3Y*: 32.95%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BREE vs. EMDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BREE MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF	20.50%
EMDM First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF	21.66%

Correlation

The correlation between BREE and EMDM is 0.95, 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 Mar 6, 2026	0.95

Return for Risk

BREE vs. EMDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMDM

EMDM Risk / Return Rank: 93
EMDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
EMDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
EMDM Omega Ratio Rank: 93
EMDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
EMDM Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

BREE vs. EMDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BREE) and First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM). 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

	BREE	EMDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.92	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.18	1.58	+2.60

Drawdowns

BREE vs. EMDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BREE drawdown since its inception was -7.70%, smaller than the maximum EMDM drawdown of -18.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BREE and EMDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BREE	EMDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.70%	-18.81%	+11.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.65%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-1.32%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.77%	-4.07%	+2.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.77%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BREE	EMDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.61%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	20.78%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.33%	23.42%	+3.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.33%	19.79%	+7.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.33%	19.79%	+7.54%

BREE vs. EMDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BREE has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is lower than EMDM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

BREE vs. EMDM - Dividend Comparison

BREE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while EMDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.57%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BREE MFS Blended Research Emerging Markets Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EMDM First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF	2.57%	3.57%	5.87%	2.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BREE and EMDM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, BREE and EMDM 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, BREE or EMDM?

On fees, BREE is cheaper at 0.44% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BREE or EMDM?

BREE is cheaper with a 0.44% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for EMDM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BREE or EMDM?

EMDM has the higher dividend yield at 2.57%, compared with 0.00% for BREE.

What is the main difference between BREE and EMDM?

They also come from different issuers: MFS and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for BREE and 0.75% for EMDM.