EMOT vs. PIT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EMOT (First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF) and PIT (VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMOT is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Economic Moat Index, while PIT is a Commodities fund actively managed by VanEck. EMOT is passively managed, while PIT is actively managed. Over the past year, EMOT returned 18.68% vs 38.33% for PIT. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. EMOT charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PIT.

Performance

EMOT vs. PIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMOT achieves a 9.61% return, which is significantly lower than PIT's 27.31% return.

EMOT

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 9.61%
• 6M: 8.78%
• 1Y: 18.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PIT

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -10.60%
• YTD: 27.31%
• 6M: 26.74%
• 1Y: 38.33%
• 3Y*: 19.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMOT vs. PIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EMOT First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF	9.61%	14.17%	5.53%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	27.31%	21.63%	-0.70%

Correlation

The correlation between EMOT and PIT is -0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2024	-0.02

Return for Risk

EMOT vs. PIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMOT

EMOT Risk / Return Rank: 46
EMOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
EMOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
EMOT Omega Ratio Rank: 45
EMOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
EMOT Martin Ratio Rank: 49

PIT

PIT Risk / Return Rank: 55
PIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
PIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
PIT Omega Ratio Rank: 52
PIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
PIT Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

EMOT vs. PIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). 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.

	EMOT	PIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.78	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.32	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.32	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	2.74	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.00	10.88	-2.88

EMOT vs. PIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMOT Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the PIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMOT and PIT, 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

EMOT vs. PIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMOT drawdown since its inception was -16.41%, which is greater than PIT's maximum drawdown of -14.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMOT and PIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMOT	PIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.41%	-14.05%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.19%	-14.05%	+4.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.28%	-14.05%	+11.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.06%	-4.07%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	3.59%	-1.25%

Volatility

EMOT vs. PIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) is 4.01%, while VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) has a volatility of 4.67%. This indicates that EMOT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMOT	PIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	4.67%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.00%	19.36%	-10.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.73%	21.66%	-9.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.95%	17.50%	-2.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.95%	17.50%	-2.55%

EMOT vs. PIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMOT has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than PIT's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMOT vs. PIT - Dividend Comparison

EMOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than PIT's 7.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMOT First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF	1.08%	0.84%	0.37%	0.00%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	7.00%	8.92%	3.59%	6.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMOT and PIT in my portfolio?

EMOT and PIT have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMOT or PIT?

PIT has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to EMOT (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMOT dropped -16.41% vs PIT's -14.05%.

Which ETF is better, EMOT or PIT?

On 1-year performance, PIT leads with 38.33% vs 18.68% for EMOT. On fees, PIT is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, EMOT has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMOT or PIT?

Over the 1-year period, PIT has performed better with a 38.33% return vs 18.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMOT or PIT?

PIT is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for EMOT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMOT or PIT?

PIT has the higher dividend yield at 7.00%, compared with 1.08% for EMOT.

What is the main difference between EMOT and PIT?

EMOT is categorized as S&P 500, while PIT is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for EMOT and 0.55% for PIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.60), 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.