FDEM vs. EEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FDEM (Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF) and EEM (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Targeted Emerging Markets Factor Index, while EEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDEM returned 9.43%/yr vs 7.01%/yr for EEM. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDEM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for EEM.

Performance

FDEM vs. EEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDEM achieves a 22.58% return, which is significantly lower than EEM's 27.80% return.

FDEM

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: 7.69%
• YTD: 22.58%
• 6M: 24.26%
• 1Y: 45.52%
• 3Y*: 23.79%
• 5Y*: 9.43%
• 10Y*: —

EEM

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 9.08%
• YTD: 27.80%
• 6M: 30.51%
• 1Y: 55.80%
• 3Y*: 23.95%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 9.93%

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

FDEM vs. EEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	22.58%	26.75%	9.34%	17.26%	-13.11%	-3.52%	8.87%	5.73%
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	27.80%	33.98%	6.49%	8.95%	-20.56%	-3.63%	17.02%	8.81%

Correlation

The correlation between FDEM and EEM is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2019	0.91

The correlation between FDEM and EEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDEM vs. EEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDEM	EEM
Technology	31.8%	43.6%
Financial Services	16.3%	17.5%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	8.1%
Communication Services	10.6%	5.7%
Energy	8.3%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	2.7%
Real Estate	5.2%	0.9%
Industrials	4.8%	6.2%
Basic Materials	3.2%	6.1%
Healthcare	-	2.5%
Utilities	-	2.0%

Return for Risk

FDEM vs. EEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDEM

FDEM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
FDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
FDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
FDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

EEM

EEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
EEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
EEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
EEM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
EEM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

FDEM vs. EEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM). 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.

	FDEM	EEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	2.81	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	3.62	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.51	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	4.15	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.12	15.99	-1.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FDEM vs. EEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is comparable to the EEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDEM and EEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FDEM	EEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.63	2.81	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	0.37	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.38	+0.15

Drawdowns

FDEM vs. EEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDEM drawdown since its inception was -33.65%, smaller than the maximum EEM drawdown of -66.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDEM and EEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDEM	EEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.65%	-66.43%	+32.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.70%	-13.52%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.04%	-17.29%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.02%	-37.71%	+8.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.46%	-1.24%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-16.02%	+7.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	3.50%	-0.27%

Volatility

FDEM vs. EEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) is 7.26%, while iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) has a volatility of 8.52%. This indicates that FDEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDEM	EEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.26%	8.52%	-1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.03%	17.42%	-2.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.36%	19.97%	-2.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.13%	18.91%	-2.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.91%	20.50%	-2.59%

FDEM vs. EEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDEM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than EEM's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDEM vs. EEM - Dividend Comparison

FDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, more than EEM's 1.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EEM iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	1.74%	2.22%	2.43%	2.63%	2.50%	1.99%	1.45%	2.76%	2.24%	1.89%	1.89%	2.49%
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	2.66%	3.23%	4.05%	4.41%	3.95%	2.71%	1.84%	2.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDEM and EEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FDEM and EEM 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, FDEM or EEM?

EEM has higher volatility (8.52%) compared to FDEM (7.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDEM dropped -33.65% vs EEM's -66.43%.

Which ETF is better, FDEM or EEM?

On 5-year performance, FDEM leads with 9.43% vs 7.01% for EEM. On fees, FDEM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FDEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDEM or EEM?

Over the 5-year period, FDEM has performed better with a 9.43% return vs 7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDEM or EEM?

FDEM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.72% for EEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDEM or EEM?

FDEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 1.74% for EEM.

What is the main difference between FDEM and EEM?

FDEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while EEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. FDEM tracks Fidelity Targeted Emerging Markets Factor Index, while EEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FDEM and 0.72% for EEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.81 vs 2.63), 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.