EDIV vs. FEMS

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

EDIV (SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and FEMS (First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EDIV tracks the S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities Index while FEMS tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EDIV returned 9.30%/yr vs 9.70%/yr for FEMS. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EDIV charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FEMS.

Performance

EDIV vs. FEMS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) and First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EDIV achieves a 7.79% return, which is significantly lower than FEMS's 14.30% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EDIV having a 9.30% annualized return and FEMS not far ahead at 9.70%.

EDIV

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: 2.57%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 9.27%
• 1Y: 16.31%
• 3Y*: 19.55%
• 5Y*: 11.08%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

FEMS

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 14.30%
• 6M: 13.74%
• 1Y: 27.67%
• 3Y*: 14.40%
• 5Y*: 3.80%
• 10Y*: 9.70%

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

EDIV vs. FEMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	7.79%	16.45%	12.75%	41.91%	-15.31%	11.21%	-9.95%	11.80%	-6.16%	28.20%
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	14.30%	16.48%	1.88%	3.55%	1.85%	3.76%	7.85%	28.88%	-22.63%	49.02%

Correlation

The correlation between EDIV and FEMS is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2012	0.72

The correlation between EDIV and FEMS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

EDIV vs. FEMS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EDIV	FEMS
Financial Services	29.7%	5.5%
Communication Services	13.8%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	12.8%	7.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	15.4%
Industrials	9.7%	16.0%
Technology	8.4%	13.1%
Real Estate	5.1%	7.9%
Energy	3.2%	8.7%
Utilities	2.5%	6.6%
Basic Materials	1.7%	12.0%
Healthcare	1.3%	3.4%

Return for Risk

EDIV vs. FEMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

EDIV

EDIV Risk / Return Rank: 35
EDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
EDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
EDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
EDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 32

FEMS

FEMS Risk / Return Rank: 53
FEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
FEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 50
FEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

EDIV vs. FEMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) and First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS). 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.

	EDIV	FEMS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	1.77	-0.42
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	2.44	-0.48
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.32	-0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	3.32	-1.73
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.97	8.76	-3.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EDIV vs. FEMS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is comparable to the FEMS Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EDIV and FEMS, 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

	EDIV	FEMS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.35	1.77	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.22	+0.59
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.49	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.28	-0.11

Drawdowns

EDIV vs. FEMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EDIV drawdown since its inception was -53.36%, which is greater than FEMS's maximum drawdown of -47.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EDIV and FEMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EDIV	FEMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.36%	-47.85%	-5.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.36%	-8.59%	-1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.84%	-21.09%	+7.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.32%	-26.89%	-1.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.76%	-47.85%	+7.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.84%	-3.06%	+0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.37%	-17.41%	-1.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.33%	3.26%	+0.07%

Volatility

EDIV vs. FEMS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) is 4.08%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) has a volatility of 6.12%. This indicates that EDIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FEMS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EDIV	FEMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.08%	6.12%	-2.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.94%	12.82%	-2.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.11%	15.73%	-3.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.82%	17.96%	-4.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.49%	19.96%	-2.47%

EDIV vs. FEMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EDIV has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than FEMS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

EDIV vs. FEMS - Dividend Comparison

EDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.45%, more than FEMS's 4.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	4.45%	4.69%	3.94%	4.26%	4.94%	3.84%	3.52%	3.83%	3.41%	2.99%	4.94%	5.33%
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	4.20%	4.27%	3.97%	4.65%	4.55%	6.25%	2.90%	4.37%	4.68%	3.39%	2.42%	3.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EDIV and FEMS in my portfolio?

EDIV and FEMS have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EDIV or FEMS?

FEMS has higher volatility (6.12%) compared to EDIV (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EDIV dropped -53.36% vs FEMS's -47.85%.

Which ETF is better, EDIV or FEMS?

On 10-year performance, FEMS leads with 9.70% vs 9.30% for EDIV. On fees, EDIV is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EDIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EDIV or FEMS?

Over the 10-year period, FEMS has performed better with a 9.70% return vs 9.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EDIV or FEMS?

EDIV is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EDIV or FEMS?

EDIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.45%, compared with 4.20% for FEMS.

What is the main difference between EDIV and FEMS?

EDIV tracks S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities Index, while FEMS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EDIV and 0.80% for FEMS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEMS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.35), 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.