EEMS vs. FEMS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EEMS (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF) and FEMS (First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - EEMS is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index, while FEMS is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EEMS returned 9.25%/yr vs 9.39%/yr for FEMS. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EEMS charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FEMS.

Performance

EEMS vs. FEMS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) 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, EEMS achieves a 15.19% return, which is significantly higher than FEMS's 12.25% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EEMS having a 9.25% annualized return and FEMS not far ahead at 9.39%.

EEMS

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 6M: 17.20%
• 1Y: 28.89%
• 3Y*: 17.04%
• 5Y*: 7.03%
• 10Y*: 9.25%

FEMS

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -2.76%
• YTD: 12.25%
• 6M: 11.00%
• 1Y: 24.04%
• 3Y*: 13.24%
• 5Y*: 4.45%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

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

EEMS vs. FEMS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	15.19%	19.78%	3.13%	23.09%	-19.12%	18.12%	19.47%	11.25%	-18.98%	34.80%
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	12.25%	16.48%	1.88%	3.55%	1.85%	3.76%	7.85%	28.88%	-22.63%	49.02%

Correlation

The correlation between EEMS and FEMS 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	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2012	0.75

The correlation between EEMS and FEMS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

EEMS vs. FEMS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EEMS	FEMS
Technology	22.7%	13.1%
Industrials	18.9%	16.0%
Financial Services	11.1%	5.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	15.4%
Healthcare	9.4%	3.4%
Basic Materials	9.3%	12.0%
Real Estate	5.9%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	7.0%
Communication Services	2.9%	4.6%
Utilities	2.7%	6.6%
Energy	2.4%	8.7%

Return for Risk

EEMS vs. FEMS — Risk / Return Rank

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

EEMS

EEMS Risk / Return Rank: 51
EEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
EEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
EEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 50
EEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
EEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 55

FEMS

FEMS Risk / Return Rank: 47
FEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
FEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
FEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

EEMS vs. FEMS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) 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.

	EEMS	FEMS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.53	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.14	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.27	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	2.81	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.39	7.34	+2.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EEMS vs. FEMS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the FEMS Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EEMS 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

	EEMS	FEMS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.68	1.53	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	0.25	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.47	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.27	+0.05

Drawdowns

EEMS vs. FEMS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EEMS drawdown since its inception was -48.89%, roughly equal to the maximum FEMS drawdown of -47.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EEMS and FEMS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EEMS	FEMS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.89%	-47.85%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.87%	-8.59%	-2.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.71%	-21.09%	+1.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.07%	-26.89%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.89%	-47.85%	-1.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.93%	-4.80%	+2.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.50%	-17.40%	+6.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	3.29%	-0.21%

Volatility

EEMS vs. FEMS - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF (EEMS) has a higher volatility of 6.80% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) at 6.03%. This indicates that EEMS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FEMS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EEMS	FEMS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.80%	6.03%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.90%	12.98%	+1.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.30%	15.83%	+1.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.06%	17.66%	-1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.99%	19.96%	-1.97%

EEMS vs. FEMS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EEMS has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is lower than FEMS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

EEMS vs. FEMS - Dividend Comparison

EEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, less than FEMS's 4.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEMS iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF	2.68%	3.09%	2.60%	2.69%	0.89%	3.56%	2.14%	2.64%	3.06%	2.47%	2.51%	2.33%
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	4.27%	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 EEMS and FEMS in my portfolio?

EEMS and FEMS 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, EEMS or FEMS?

EEMS has higher volatility (6.80%) compared to FEMS (6.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EEMS dropped -48.89% vs FEMS's -47.85%.

Which ETF is better, EEMS or FEMS?

On 10-year performance, FEMS leads with 9.39% vs 9.25% for EEMS. On fees, EEMS is cheaper at 0.73% per year. On volatility, FEMS has been the lower-risk option at 6.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EEMS or FEMS?

Over the 10-year period, FEMS has performed better with a 9.39% return vs 9.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EEMS or FEMS?

EEMS is cheaper with a 0.73% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEMS.

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

FEMS has the higher dividend yield at 4.27%, compared with 2.68% for EEMS.

What is the main difference between EEMS and FEMS?

EEMS is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while FEMS is Emerging Markets Equities. EEMS tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index, while FEMS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.73% for EEMS and 0.80% for FEMS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEMS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.53), 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.