EMC vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EMC (Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. EMC is actively managed, while IEMG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, EMC returned 17.56%/yr vs 23.55%/yr for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMC charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

EMC vs. IEMG - 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 Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with EMC having a 25.25% return and IEMG slightly higher at 26.21%.

EMC

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

IEMG

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: 7.97%
• YTD: 26.21%
• 6M: 28.63%
• 1Y: 52.58%
• 3Y*: 23.55%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 10.41%

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

EMC vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMC Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF	25.25%	18.91%	3.75%	1.90%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	26.21%	32.56%	6.50%	6.94%

Correlation

The correlation between EMC and IEMG is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2023	0.95

The correlation between EMC and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMC vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMC	IEMG
Technology	42.4%	35.0%
Financial Services	22.7%	18.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	9.5%
Communication Services	8.1%	6.4%
Industrials	4.5%	9.0%
Basic Materials	3.5%	6.9%
Energy	3.0%	3.8%
Healthcare	2.2%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	3.3%
Real Estate	1.4%	1.7%
Utilities	-	2.2%

Return for Risk

EMC vs. IEMG — 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

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 79
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. IEMG - 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 Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.72	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.53	-0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.50	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	4.00	-1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.54	15.38	-4.84
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. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 2.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMC and IEMG, 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	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	2.72	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.35	+0.52

Drawdowns

EMC vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMC drawdown since its inception was -18.38%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMC and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMC	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.38%	-38.71%	+20.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.89%	-13.21%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.38%	-17.21%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.64%	-1.34%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.11%	-12.97%	+8.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.76%	3.43%	+0.33%

Volatility

EMC vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

Global X Emerging Markets Great Consumer ETF (EMC) has a higher volatility of 9.03% compared to iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) at 8.31%. This indicates that EMC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMC	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.03%	8.31%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.24%	16.93%	+1.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.68%	19.43%	+1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.55%	18.38%	+0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.55%	20.03%	-1.48%

EMC vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMC has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMC vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

EMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, less than IEMG's 2.18% 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%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.18%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMC and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, EMC and IEMG 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 IEMG?

EMC has higher volatility (9.03%) compared to IEMG (8.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMC dropped -18.38% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, EMC or IEMG?

On 3-year performance, IEMG leads with 23.55% vs 17.56% for EMC. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IEMG has been the lower-risk option at 8.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMC or IEMG?

Over the 3-year period, IEMG has performed better with a 23.55% 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 IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for EMC.

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

IEMG has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 0.63% for EMC.

What is the main difference between EMC and IEMG?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for EMC and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.72 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.