EMGF vs. FTHF

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

EMGF (iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) and FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EMGF tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Diversified Multiple-Factor Index while FTHF tracks the Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EMGF returned 34.88% vs 76.97% for FTHF. Their correlation of 0.88 means they have usually moved in the same direction. EMGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTHF.

Performance

EMGF vs. FTHF - 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 Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMGF achieves a 19.41% return, which is significantly lower than FTHF's 35.77% return.

EMGF

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: -2.70%
• 6M: 9.84%
• YTD: 19.41%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 21.74%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: 9.48%
• ALL TIME*: 10.09%

FTHF

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: -4.48%
• 6M: 18.25%
• YTD: 35.77%
• 1Y: 76.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 38.11%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
EMGF iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	$9.70M	$12.21M	$11.83M
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	$312.20K	$492.12K	$543.01K

EMGF vs. FTHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMGF iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	19.41%	31.41%	9.06%	13.04%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	35.77%	65.30%	-8.14%	18.14%

Correlation

The correlation between EMGF and FTHF is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2023	0.88

The correlation between EMGF and FTHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMGF vs. FTHF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMGF	FTHF
Technology	42.6%	50.9%
Financial Services	17.8%	25.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	0.6%
Industrials	7.5%	5.4%
Communication Services	6.4%	0.8%
Basic Materials	5.0%	7.5%
Energy	3.4%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.0%
Healthcare	2.7%	0.5%
Utilities	2.2%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

EMGF vs. FTHF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

EMGF

EMGF Risk / Return Rank: 60
EMGF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
EMGF Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
EMGF Omega Ratio Rank: 61
EMGF Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
EMGF Martin Ratio Rank: 60

FTHF

FTHF Risk / Return Rank: 86
FTHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FTHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FTHF Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FTHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FTHF Martin Ratio Rank: 85

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

EMGF vs. FTHF - 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 Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). 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	FTHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	2.26	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	2.74	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.39	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	3.68	-1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.41	12.69	-5.27

EMGF vs. FTHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMGF Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is lower than the FTHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMGF and FTHF, 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. FTHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMGF drawdown since its inception was -40.23%, which is greater than FTHF's maximum drawdown of -21.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMGF and FTHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMGF	FTHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.23%	-21.05%	-19.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.63%	-21.05%	+6.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.65%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.17%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.23%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.20%	-15.06%	+4.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.01%	-4.54%	-5.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.72%	6.09%	-1.37%

Volatility

EMGF vs. FTHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (EMGF) is 8.57%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) has a volatility of 13.92%. This indicates that EMGF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMGF	FTHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.57%	13.92%	-5.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.19%	31.87%	-9.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.23%	34.32%	-10.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.66%	27.88%	-9.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.77%	27.88%	-8.11%

EMGF vs. FTHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMGF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMGF vs. FTHF - Dividend Comparison

EMGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.11%, less than FTHF's 3.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
EMGF iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	2.11%	2.52%	3.42%	5.94%	4.04%	2.48%	1.95%	2.63%	2.73%	1.94%	2.04%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	3.36%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMGF and FTHF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, EMGF and FTHF 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, EMGF or FTHF?

FTHF has higher volatility (13.92%) compared to EMGF (8.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMGF dropped -40.23% vs FTHF's -21.05%.

Which ETF is better, EMGF or FTHF?

On 1-year performance, FTHF leads with 76.97% vs 34.88% for EMGF. On fees, EMGF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, EMGF has been the lower-risk option at 8.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMGF or FTHF?

Over the 1-year period, FTHF has performed better with a 76.97% return vs 34.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMGF or FTHF?

EMGF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTHF.

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

FTHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.36%, compared with 2.11% for EMGF.

What is the main difference between EMGF and FTHF?

EMGF tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Diversified Multiple-Factor Index, while FTHF tracks Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for EMGF and 0.75% for FTHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.45), 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.