EQLT vs. GEME

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EQLT (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF) and GEME (Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. EQLT is passively managed, while GEME is actively managed. Over the past year, EQLT returned 61.62% vs 79.88% for GEME. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EQLT charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GEME.

Performance

EQLT vs. GEME - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EQLT achieves a 33.07% return, which is significantly lower than GEME's 39.92% return.

EQLT

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 5.30%
• YTD: 33.07%
• 6M: 34.67%
• 1Y: 61.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GEME

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: 6.15%
• YTD: 39.92%
• 6M: 43.09%
• 1Y: 79.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EQLT vs. GEME - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	33.07%	32.11%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	39.92%	37.43%

Correlation

The correlation between EQLT and GEME is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2025	0.89

The correlation between EQLT and GEME has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EQLT vs. GEME — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQLT

EQLT Risk / Return Rank: 87
EQLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
EQLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
EQLT Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EQLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
EQLT Martin Ratio Rank: 90

GEME

GEME Risk / Return Rank: 93
GEME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
GEME Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
GEME Omega Ratio Rank: 93
GEME Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
GEME Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

EQLT vs. GEME - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). 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.

	EQLT	GEME	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.77	3.55	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	4.14	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.62	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.16	5.97	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.06	22.16	-2.10

EQLT vs. GEME - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQLT Sharpe Ratio is 2.77, which is comparable to the GEME Sharpe Ratio of 3.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQLT and GEME, 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

EQLT vs. GEME - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQLT drawdown since its inception was -17.38%, roughly equal to the maximum GEME drawdown of -16.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQLT and GEME.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQLT	GEME	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.38%	-16.86%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.00%	-13.46%	+1.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.23%	-0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-2.37%	-1.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	3.62%	-0.54%

Volatility

EQLT vs. GEME - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) have volatilities of 9.50% and 9.62%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQLT	GEME	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.50%	9.62%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.19%	19.74%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.37%	22.69%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.09%	23.63%	-2.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.09%	23.63%	-2.54%

EQLT vs. GEME - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQLT has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GEME's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQLT vs. GEME - Dividend Comparison

EQLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, less than GEME's 5.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
EQLT iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF	2.51%	3.10%	0.51%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	5.01%	7.01%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQLT and GEME in my portfolio?

EQLT and GEME have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EQLT or GEME?

GEME has higher volatility (9.62%) compared to EQLT (9.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQLT dropped -17.38% vs GEME's -16.86%.

Which ETF is better, EQLT or GEME?

On 1-year performance, GEME leads with 79.88% vs 61.62% for EQLT. On fees, EQLT is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, EQLT has been the lower-risk option at 9.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQLT or GEME?

Over the 1-year period, GEME has performed better with a 79.88% return vs 61.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQLT or GEME?

EQLT is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GEME.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQLT or GEME?

GEME has the higher dividend yield at 5.01%, compared with 2.51% for EQLT.

What is the main difference between EQLT and GEME?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Pacific AM. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for EQLT and 0.75% for GEME.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.55 vs 2.77), 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.