EMGF vs. FEM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

EMGF (iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) and FEM (First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EMGF tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Diversified Multiple-Factor Index while FEM tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EMGF returned 10.08%/yr vs 8.53%/yr for FEM. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FEM.

Performance

EMGF vs. FEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (EMGF) and First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMGF achieves a 21.87% return, which is significantly higher than FEM's 16.59% return. Over the past 10 years, EMGF has outperformed FEM with an annualized return of 10.08%, while FEM has yielded a comparatively lower 8.53% annualized return.

EMGF

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: -3.65%
• 6M: 16.07%
• YTD: 21.87%
• 1Y: 36.60%
• 3Y*: 22.20%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 10.08%

FEM

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: -0.91%
• 6M: 10.87%
• YTD: 16.59%
• 1Y: 31.05%
• 3Y*: 16.00%
• 5Y*: 7.32%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

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

EMGF vs. FEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMGF iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	21.87%	31.41%	9.06%	10.86%	-16.55%	6.65%	10.27%	20.96%	-19.71%	42.37%
FEM First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund	16.59%	28.36%	3.01%	10.84%	-14.24%	7.40%	-1.68%	20.55%	-15.51%	41.05%

Correlation

The correlation between EMGF and FEM is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2015	0.83

The correlation between EMGF and FEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMGF vs. FEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMGF	FEM
Technology	42.6%	28.4%
Financial Services	16.9%	6.4%
Industrials	8.0%	19.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	5.7%
Communication Services	5.8%	4.6%
Basic Materials	4.8%	7.8%
Energy	3.3%	12.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	2.9%
Healthcare	2.6%	2.8%
Utilities	2.3%	6.1%
Real Estate	0.9%	2.6%

Return for Risk

EMGF vs. FEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMGF

EMGF Risk / Return Rank: 61
EMGF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
EMGF Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
EMGF Omega Ratio Rank: 62
EMGF Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
EMGF Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FEM

FEM Risk / Return Rank: 65
FEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FEM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FEM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

EMGF vs. FEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (EMGF) and First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	EMGF	FEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.60	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.08	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.29	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	3.35	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.21	10.28	-1.07

EMGF vs. FEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMGF Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the FEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMGF and FEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

EMGF vs. FEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMGF drawdown since its inception was -40.23%, smaller than the maximum FEM drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMGF and FEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMGF	FEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.23%	-46.23%	+6.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.54%	-9.31%	-4.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.65%	-18.79%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.17%	-31.72%	+3.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.23%	-46.23%	+6.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.35%	-5.57%	-2.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.00%	-14.97%	+4.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	3.03%	+0.95%

Volatility

EMGF vs. FEM - Volatility Comparison

iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (EMGF) has a higher volatility of 10.12% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM) at 7.59%. This indicates that EMGF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMGF	FEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.12%	7.59%	+2.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.57%	16.89%	+4.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.42%	19.45%	+3.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.54%	18.76%	-0.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.72%	20.95%	-1.23%

EMGF vs. FEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMGF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FEM's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMGF vs. FEM - Dividend Comparison

EMGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, less than FEM's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMGF iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	2.06%	2.52%	3.42%	5.94%	4.04%	2.48%	1.95%	2.63%	2.73%	1.94%	2.04%	0.00%
FEM First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund	2.26%	3.13%	3.66%	4.96%	6.15%	4.15%	2.68%	3.31%	3.52%	2.45%	2.25%	3.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMGF and FEM in my portfolio?

EMGF and FEM have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMGF or FEM?

EMGF has higher volatility (10.12%) compared to FEM (7.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMGF dropped -40.23% vs FEM's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, EMGF or FEM?

On 10-year performance, EMGF leads with 10.08% vs 8.53% for FEM. On fees, EMGF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMGF or FEM?

Over the 10-year period, EMGF has performed better with a 10.08% return vs 8.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMGF or FEM?

EMGF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMGF or FEM?

FEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 2.06% for EMGF.

What is the main difference between EMGF and FEM?

EMGF tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Diversified Multiple-Factor Index, while FEM tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for EMGF and 0.80% for FEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.57), 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.