EMSQX vs. FQEMX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

EMSQX (Shelton Emerging Markets Fund) and FQEMX (Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 3 years, EMSQX returned 19.43%/yr vs 46.24%/yr for FQEMX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMSQX charges 1.77%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for FQEMX.

Performance

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Shelton Emerging Markets Fund (EMSQX) and Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMSQX achieves a 19.81% return, which is significantly lower than FQEMX's 77.70% return.

EMSQX

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -0.35%
• YTD: 19.81%
• 6M: 20.67%
• 1Y: 40.23%
• 3Y*: 19.43%
• 5Y*: 9.69%
• 10Y*: —

FQEMX

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 77.70%
• 6M: 83.04%
• 1Y: 128.99%
• 3Y*: 46.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
EMSQX Shelton Emerging Markets Fund	19.81%	32.98%	3.45%	15.43%	-14.33%	-0.76%
FQEMX Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM	77.70%	55.98%	6.67%	12.18%	-20.68%	0.32%

Correlation

The correlation between EMSQX and FQEMX is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2021	0.71

The correlation between EMSQX and FQEMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EMSQX vs. FQEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMSQX

EMSQX Risk / Return Rank: 73
EMSQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
EMSQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
EMSQX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
EMSQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
EMSQX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

FQEMX

FQEMX Risk / Return Rank: 96
FQEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
FQEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
FQEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
FQEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FQEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Shelton Emerging Markets Fund (EMSQX) and Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX). 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.

	EMSQX	FQEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	4.01	-1.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	3.95	-1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.69	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	7.06	-4.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.16	25.56	-14.40

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMSQX Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is lower than the FQEMX Sharpe Ratio of 4.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMSQX and FQEMX, 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

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMSQX drawdown since its inception was -29.96%, smaller than the maximum FQEMX drawdown of -34.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMSQX and FQEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMSQX	FQEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.96%	-34.46%	+4.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.60%	-18.93%	+5.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.66%	-18.93%	+4.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.14%	-7.73%	+3.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.96%	-10.71%	+2.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.71%	5.17%	-1.46%

Volatility

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Shelton Emerging Markets Fund (EMSQX) is 9.62%, while Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM (FQEMX) has a volatility of 21.09%. This indicates that EMSQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FQEMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMSQX	FQEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.62%	21.09%	-11.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.99%	30.88%	-13.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.82%	33.43%	-13.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.01%	22.65%	-5.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.01%	22.65%	-5.64%

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMSQX has a 1.77% expense ratio, which is higher than FQEMX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMSQX vs. FQEMX - Dividend Comparison

EMSQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.65%, more than FQEMX's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
EMSQX Shelton Emerging Markets Fund	13.65%	16.36%	7.85%	10.06%	1.52%	1.94%	0.18%
FQEMX Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series EM	1.79%	3.18%	3.15%	4.82%	3.93%	0.62%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMSQX and FQEMX in my portfolio?

EMSQX and FQEMX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMSQX or FQEMX?

FQEMX has higher volatility (21.09%) compared to EMSQX (9.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMSQX dropped -29.96% vs FQEMX's -34.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FQEMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.01 vs 2.11), 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.