EMXF vs. FTHF

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

EMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF) and FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EMXF tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index while FTHF tracks the Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EMXF returned 35.33% vs 76.97% for FTHF. Their correlation of 0.85 means they have usually moved in the same direction. EMXF charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTHF.

Performance

EMXF vs. FTHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) 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, EMXF achieves a 20.80% return, which is significantly lower than FTHF's 35.77% return.

EMXF

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: -1.15%
• 6M: 12.33%
• YTD: 20.80%
• 1Y: 35.33%
• 3Y*: 18.61%
• 5Y*: 7.31%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.25%

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)
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	$738.61K	$566.62K	$456.04K
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	$312.20K	$492.12K	$543.01K

EMXF vs. FTHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	20.80%	29.40%	8.03%	8.92%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	35.77%	65.30%	-8.14%	18.14%

Correlation

The correlation between EMXF and FTHF is 0.92, 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.	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2023	0.85

The correlation between EMXF and FTHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMXF vs. FTHF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMXF	FTHF
Financial Services	34.8%	25.0%
Technology	32.4%	50.9%
Communication Services	9.3%	0.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	0.6%
Industrials	6.1%	5.4%
Healthcare	3.9%	0.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	3.0%
Basic Materials	2.5%	7.5%
Real Estate	1.6%	-
Utilities	0.6%	1.8%
Energy	0.0%	4.6%

Return for Risk

EMXF vs. FTHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMXF

EMXF Risk / Return Rank: 70
EMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
EMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
EMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 69
EMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
EMXF Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

EMXF vs. FTHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) 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.

	EMXF	FTHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	2.26	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.74	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.39	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	3.68	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.87	12.69	-3.82

EMXF vs. FTHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the FTHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMXF 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

EMXF vs. FTHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMXF drawdown since its inception was -33.13%, which is greater than FTHF's maximum drawdown of -21.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMXF and FTHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMXF	FTHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.13%	-21.05%	-12.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.53%	-21.05%	+8.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.80%	-15.06%	+8.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.83%	-4.54%	-7.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	6.09%	-2.10%

Volatility

EMXF vs. FTHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) is 7.61%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) has a volatility of 13.92%. This indicates that EMXF 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

	EMXF	FTHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.61%	13.92%	-6.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.61%	31.87%	-12.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.53%	34.32%	-12.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.64%	27.88%	-5.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.03%	27.88%	-5.85%

EMXF vs. FTHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMXF has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is lower than FTHF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMXF vs. FTHF - Dividend Comparison

EMXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than FTHF's 3.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	2.75%	3.43%	2.92%	2.25%	2.42%	1.87%	0.41%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	3.36%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMXF and FTHF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, EMXF 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, EMXF or FTHF?

FTHF has higher volatility (13.92%) compared to EMXF (7.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMXF dropped -33.13% vs FTHF's -21.05%.

Which ETF is better, EMXF or FTHF?

On 1-year performance, FTHF leads with 76.97% vs 35.33% for EMXF. On fees, EMXF is cheaper at 0.16% per year. On volatility, EMXF has been the lower-risk option at 7.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMXF or FTHF?

Over the 1-year period, FTHF has performed better with a 76.97% return vs 35.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMXF or FTHF?

EMXF is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTHF.

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

FTHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.36%, compared with 2.75% for EMXF.

What is the main difference between EMXF and FTHF?

EMXF tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index, while FTHF tracks Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.16% for EMXF and 0.75% for FTHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.65), 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.