EMOP vs. TDEC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EMOP (AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF) and TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - EMOP is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while TDEC is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets. EMOP is actively managed, while TDEC is passively managed. Over the past year, EMOP returned 47.69% vs 20.35% for TDEC. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EMOP charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TDEC.

Performance

EMOP vs. TDEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMOP achieves a 27.21% return, which is significantly higher than TDEC's 7.66% return.

EMOP

• 1D: -4.78%
• 1M: 1.88%
• YTD: 27.21%
• 6M: 28.58%
• 1Y: 47.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TDEC

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 7.66%
• 6M: 8.74%
• 1Y: 20.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMOP vs. TDEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EMOP AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	27.21%	16.48%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	7.66%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between EMOP and TDEC is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.89

The correlation between EMOP and TDEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMOP vs. TDEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMOP

EMOP Risk / Return Rank: 76
EMOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
EMOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
EMOP Omega Ratio Rank: 78
EMOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EMOP Martin Ratio Rank: 79

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 65
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 79
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

EMOP vs. TDEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC). 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.

	EMOP	TDEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.91	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	2.63	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.43	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.72	2.51	+1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.88	10.81	+3.07

EMOP vs. TDEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMOP Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the TDEC Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMOP and TDEC, 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

EMOP vs. TDEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMOP drawdown since its inception was -12.88%, which is greater than TDEC's maximum drawdown of -10.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMOP and TDEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMOP	TDEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.88%	-10.30%	-2.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-8.16%	-4.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.78%	-2.13%	-2.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.00%	-1.05%	-0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	1.89%	+1.55%

Volatility

EMOP vs. TDEC - Volatility Comparison

AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) has a higher volatility of 10.76% compared to FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) at 4.52%. This indicates that EMOP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TDEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMOP	TDEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.76%	4.52%	+6.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.59%	9.98%	+9.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.65%	10.71%	+10.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.57%	12.03%	+9.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.57%	12.03%	+9.54%

EMOP vs. TDEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMOP has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than TDEC's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMOP vs. TDEC - Dividend Comparison

EMOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, while TDEC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
EMOP AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	0.85%	0.27%
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMOP and TDEC in my portfolio?

EMOP and TDEC have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMOP or TDEC?

EMOP has higher volatility (10.76%) compared to TDEC (4.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMOP dropped -12.88% vs TDEC's -10.30%.

Which ETF is better, EMOP or TDEC?

On 1-year performance, EMOP leads with 47.69% vs 20.35% for TDEC. On fees, EMOP is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, TDEC has been the lower-risk option at 4.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMOP or TDEC?

Over the 1-year period, EMOP has performed better with a 47.69% return vs 20.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMOP or TDEC?

EMOP is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMOP or TDEC?

EMOP has the higher dividend yield at 0.85%, compared with 0.00% for TDEC.

What is the main difference between EMOP and TDEC?

EMOP is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while TDEC is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for EMOP and 0.95% for TDEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.91), 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.