BWET vs. RFEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BWET (Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF) and RFEM (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BWET is a Commodities fund tracking the Breakwave Wet Freight Futures Index, while RFEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. BWET is passively managed, while RFEM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BWET returned 129.64%/yr vs 24.73%/yr for RFEM. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. BWET charges 3.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for RFEM.

Performance

BWET vs. RFEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF (BWET) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BWET achieves a 875.88% return, which is significantly higher than RFEM's 21.66% return.

BWET

• 1D: 4.26%
• 1M: 9.15%
• YTD: 875.88%
• 6M: 735.56%
• 1Y: 1,800.91%
• 3Y*: 129.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RFEM

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: 4.27%
• YTD: 21.66%
• 6M: 23.54%
• 1Y: 45.49%
• 3Y*: 24.73%
• 5Y*: 8.99%
• 10Y*: —

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

BWET vs. RFEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BWET Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF	875.88%	96.22%	-39.21%	15.94%
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	21.66%	27.71%	10.85%	17.27%

Correlation

The correlation between BWET and RFEM is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2023	-0.00

The correlation between BWET and RFEM shifts across timeframes, from -0.14 (1 year) to 0.01 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BWET vs. RFEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BWET	RFEM
Financial Services	8.6%	20.4%
Basic Materials	-	4.0%
Communication Services	-	5.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.4%
Energy	-	6.6%
Healthcare	-	2.7%
Industrials	-	7.9%
Real Estate	-	0.7%
Technology	-	35.8%
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

BWET vs. RFEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

BWET

BWET Risk / Return Rank: 99
BWET Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BWET Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
BWET Omega Ratio Rank: 97
BWET Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
BWET Martin Ratio Rank: 99

RFEM

RFEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
RFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
RFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
RFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
RFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

BWET vs. RFEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF (BWET) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM). 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.

	BWET	RFEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	18.57	2.71	+15.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.55	3.63	+2.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.96	1.49	+0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	59.51	3.92	+55.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	158.07	15.99	+142.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BWET vs. RFEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BWET Sharpe Ratio is 18.57, which is higher than the RFEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BWET and RFEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BWET	RFEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.57	2.71	+15.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.52	+1.38

Drawdowns

BWET vs. RFEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BWET drawdown since its inception was -56.90%, which is greater than RFEM's maximum drawdown of -42.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BWET and RFEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BWET	RFEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.90%	-42.22%	-14.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.64%	-11.65%	-18.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.90%	-15.81%	-41.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.29%	-1.39%	-9.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.09%	-11.98%	-12.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.51%	2.85%	+8.66%

Volatility

BWET vs. RFEM - Volatility Comparison

Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF (BWET) has a higher volatility of 33.96% compared to First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) at 6.86%. This indicates that BWET's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BWET	RFEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	33.96%	6.86%	+27.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	88.49%	14.37%	+74.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	98.35%	16.85%	+81.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	70.45%	17.88%	+52.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	70.45%	19.81%	+50.64%

BWET vs. RFEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BWET has a 3.50% expense ratio, which is higher than RFEM's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

BWET vs. RFEM - Dividend Comparison

BWET has not paid dividends to shareholders, while RFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.68%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BWET Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RFEM First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF	1.68%	1.98%	3.64%	3.28%	7.74%	3.21%	1.22%	3.75%	2.37%	1.62%	3.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BWET and RFEM in my portfolio?

BWET and RFEM have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BWET or RFEM?

BWET has higher volatility (33.96%) compared to RFEM (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BWET dropped -56.90% vs RFEM's -42.22%.

Which ETF is better, BWET or RFEM?

On 3-year performance, BWET leads with 129.64% vs 24.73% for RFEM. On fees, RFEM is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, RFEM has been the lower-risk option at 6.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BWET or RFEM?

Over the 3-year period, BWET has performed better with a 129.64% return vs 24.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BWET or RFEM?

RFEM is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 3.50% for BWET.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BWET or RFEM?

RFEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.68%, compared with 0.00% for BWET.

What is the main difference between BWET and RFEM?

BWET is categorized as Commodities, while RFEM is Emerging Markets Equities. They also come from different issuers: Amplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 3.50% for BWET and 0.95% for RFEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BWET currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (18.57 vs 2.71), 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.