EMPTX vs. TEQLX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

EMPTX (UBS Emerging Markets Equity Opportunity Fund) and TEQLX (TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 5 years, EMPTX returned 6.27%/yr vs 6.95%/yr for TEQLX. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.19% expense ratio.

Performance

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in UBS Emerging Markets Equity Opportunity Fund (EMPTX) 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, EMPTX achieves a 23.67% return, which is significantly higher than TEQLX's 20.73% return.

EMPTX

• 1D: 2.52%
• 1M: -4.13%
• 6M: 16.79%
• YTD: 23.67%
• 1Y: 47.59%
• 3Y*: 22.62%
• 5Y*: 6.27%
• 10Y*: —

TEQLX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: -4.35%
• 6M: 13.91%
• YTD: 20.73%
• 1Y: 37.51%
• 3Y*: 20.01%
• 5Y*: 6.95%
• 10Y*: 9.08%

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

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EMPTX UBS Emerging Markets Equity Opportunity Fund	23.67%	43.82%	2.51%	8.92%	-25.38%	-9.36%	24.79%	14.98%	0.55%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	20.73%	34.10%	6.71%	9.23%	-20.22%	-3.07%	17.67%	18.59%	-13.44%

Correlation

The correlation between EMPTX and TEQLX is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2018	0.80

The correlation between EMPTX and TEQLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.82 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EMPTX vs. TEQLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMPTX

EMPTX Risk / Return Rank: 84
EMPTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
EMPTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
EMPTX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
EMPTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
EMPTX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

TEQLX

TEQLX Risk / Return Rank: 62
TEQLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
TEQLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
TEQLX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
TEQLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
TEQLX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for UBS Emerging Markets Equity Opportunity Fund (EMPTX) 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.

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.

	EMPTX	TEQLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.33	1.73	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	2.21	+0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.33	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.59	2.85	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.62	9.78	+2.84

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMPTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.33, which is higher than the TEQLX Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMPTX 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.

Drawdowns

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMPTX drawdown since its inception was -46.03%, which is greater than TEQLX's maximum drawdown of -39.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMPTX and TEQLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMPTX	TEQLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.03%	-39.33%	-6.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.50%	-13.32%	-1.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.50%	-15.97%	+0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.15%	-34.64%	-4.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.00%	-7.53%	+1.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.17%	-14.53%	-3.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	3.87%	+0.11%

Volatility

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for UBS Emerging Markets Equity Opportunity Fund (EMPTX) is 9.05%, while TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund (TEQLX) has a volatility of 10.43%. This indicates that EMPTX 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

	EMPTX	TEQLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.05%	10.43%	-1.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.07%	20.13%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.33%	22.01%	+0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.99%	17.91%	+2.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.71%	18.01%	+1.70%

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EMPTX and TEQLX have an expense ratio of 0.19%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EMPTX vs. TEQLX - Dividend Comparison

EMPTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, less than TEQLX's 2.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMPTX UBS Emerging Markets Equity Opportunity Fund	1.55%	1.91%	3.40%	3.20%	3.84%	11.93%	1.50%	2.75%	0.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TEQLX TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund	2.34%	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 EMPTX and TEQLX in my portfolio?

EMPTX and TEQLX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMPTX or TEQLX?

TEQLX has higher volatility (10.43%) compared to EMPTX (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMPTX dropped -46.03% vs TEQLX's -39.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMPTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.73), 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.