EMC vs. HEEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EMC (Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF) and HEEM (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. EMC is actively managed, while HEEM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, EMC returned 17.56%/yr vs 27.05%/yr for HEEM. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMC charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for HEEM.

Performance

EMC vs. HEEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF (EMC) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMC achieves a 25.25% return, which is significantly lower than HEEM's 30.24% return.

EMC

• 1D: -1.64%
• 1M: 9.84%
• YTD: 25.25%
• 6M: 27.29%
• 1Y: 39.53%
• 3Y*: 17.56%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HEEM

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: 10.04%
• YTD: 30.24%
• 6M: 32.57%
• 1Y: 63.91%
• 3Y*: 27.05%
• 5Y*: 10.42%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

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

EMC vs. HEEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMC Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF	25.25%	18.91%	3.75%	1.90%
HEEM iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	30.24%	34.02%	12.59%	5.37%

Correlation

The correlation between EMC and HEEM is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2023	0.90

The correlation between EMC and HEEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMC vs. HEEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMC	HEEM
Technology	42.4%	37.0%
Financial Services	22.7%	19.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	9.6%
Communication Services	8.1%	6.9%
Industrials	4.5%	7.5%
Basic Materials	3.5%	6.5%
Energy	3.0%	4.0%
Healthcare	2.2%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	3.0%
Real Estate	1.4%	1.1%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

EMC vs. HEEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMC

EMC Risk / Return Rank: 58
EMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
EMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
EMC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
EMC Martin Ratio Rank: 60

HEEM

HEEM Risk / Return Rank: 93
HEEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
HEEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
HEEM Omega Ratio Rank: 94
HEEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
HEEM 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.

EMC vs. HEEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF (EMC) and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM). 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.

	EMC	HEEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	3.64	-1.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	4.70	-2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.68	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	5.93	-3.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.54	23.76	-13.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EMC vs. HEEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is lower than the HEEM Sharpe Ratio of 3.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMC and HEEM, 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

	EMC	HEEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	3.64	-1.72
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.64	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.49	+0.38

Drawdowns

EMC vs. HEEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMC drawdown since its inception was -18.38%, smaller than the maximum HEEM drawdown of -33.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMC and HEEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMC	HEEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.38%	-33.53%	+15.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.89%	-10.83%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.38%	-14.82%	-3.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.60%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.64%	-0.64%	-1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.11%	-11.14%	+7.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.76%	2.70%	+1.06%

Volatility

EMC vs. HEEM - Volatility Comparison

Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF (EMC) has a higher volatility of 9.03% compared to iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM) at 7.57%. This indicates that EMC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HEEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMC	HEEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.03%	7.57%	+1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.24%	15.37%	+2.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.68%	17.67%	+3.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.55%	17.01%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.55%	17.97%	+0.58%

EMC vs. HEEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMC has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than HEEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMC vs. HEEM - Dividend Comparison

EMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, less than HEEM's 3.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMC Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF	0.63%	0.78%	1.13%	0.89%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HEEM iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	3.05%	3.98%	2.38%	2.75%	7.49%	1.93%	1.49%	3.04%	2.37%	2.05%	1.84%	6.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMC and HEEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, EMC and HEEM 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 is riskier, EMC or HEEM?

EMC has higher volatility (9.03%) compared to HEEM (7.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMC dropped -18.38% vs HEEM's -33.53%.

Which ETF is better, EMC or HEEM?

On 3-year performance, HEEM leads with 27.05% vs 17.56% for EMC. On fees, HEEM is cheaper at 0.72% per year. On volatility, HEEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMC or HEEM?

Over the 3-year period, HEEM has performed better with a 27.05% return vs 17.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMC or HEEM?

HEEM is cheaper with a 0.72% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for EMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMC or HEEM?

HEEM has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 0.63% for EMC.

What is the main difference between EMC and HEEM?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for EMC and 0.72% for HEEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.64 vs 1.92), 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.