EMFIX vs. TEQLX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EMFIX (Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund) and TEQLX (TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, EMFIX returned 14.00%/yr vs 10.56%/yr for TEQLX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMFIX charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for TEQLX.

Performance

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund (EMFIX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMFIX achieves a 31.86% return, which is significantly higher than TEQLX's 29.20% return. Over the past 10 years, EMFIX has outperformed TEQLX with an annualized return of 14.00%, while TEQLX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.56% annualized return.

EMFIX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 8.80%
• YTD: 31.86%
• 6M: 35.28%
• 1Y: 63.44%
• 3Y*: 26.15%
• 5Y*: 7.90%
• 10Y*: 14.00%

TEQLX

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 8.36%
• YTD: 29.20%
• 6M: 32.06%
• 1Y: 56.15%
• 3Y*: 24.65%
• 5Y*: 7.60%
• 10Y*: 10.56%

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

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMFIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund	31.86%	35.16%	7.08%	9.68%	-26.09%	4.05%	30.00%	30.47%	-16.96%	46.16%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	29.20%	34.10%	6.71%	9.23%	-20.22%	-3.07%	17.67%	18.59%	-14.60%	37.47%

Correlation

The correlation between EMFIX and TEQLX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2011	0.93

The correlation between EMFIX and TEQLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMFIX vs. TEQLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMFIX

EMFIX Risk / Return Rank: 91
EMFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
EMFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
EMFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
EMFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
EMFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

TEQLX

TEQLX Risk / Return Rank: 89
TEQLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
TEQLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
TEQLX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
TEQLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
TEQLX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund (EMFIX) and TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX). 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.

	EMFIX	TEQLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.51	3.26	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.47	4.10	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.60	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.84	4.40	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.11	17.41	+0.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMFIX Sharpe Ratio is 3.51, which is comparable to the TEQLX Sharpe Ratio of 3.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMFIX and TEQLX, 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

	EMFIX	TEQLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51	3.26	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.45	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71	0.60	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.35	-0.01

Drawdowns

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMFIX drawdown since its inception was -44.99%, which is greater than TEQLX's maximum drawdown of -39.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMFIX and TEQLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMFIX	TEQLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.99%	-39.33%	-5.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.20%	-13.32%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.91%	-15.97%	-3.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.41%	-37.05%	-5.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.54%	-39.33%	-4.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.71%	+0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.94%	-14.60%	-2.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	3.35%	+0.17%

Volatility

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund (EMFIX) is 7.32%, while TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX) has a volatility of 7.82%. This indicates that EMFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TEQLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMFIX	TEQLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.32%	7.82%	-0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.10%	15.45%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.20%	17.99%	+0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.92%	16.98%	+1.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.67%	17.68%	+1.99%

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMFIX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than TEQLX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMFIX vs. TEQLX - Dividend Comparison

EMFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, less than TEQLX's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMFIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Equity Fund	1.25%	1.65%	0.61%	1.25%	0.82%	22.32%	2.32%	2.16%	0.82%	2.12%	1.00%	0.00%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	2.19%	2.83%	2.93%	3.08%	2.51%	2.27%	2.04%	2.77%	2.43%	1.98%	1.88%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMFIX and TEQLX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, EMFIX and TEQLX 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, EMFIX or TEQLX?

TEQLX has higher volatility (7.82%) compared to EMFIX (7.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMFIX dropped -44.99% vs TEQLX's -39.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.51 vs 3.26), 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.