FDEM vs. FEM

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FDEM (Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF) and FEM (First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - FDEM tracks the Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor Index while FEM tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDEM returned 9.38%/yr vs 7.31%/yr for FEM. Their correlation of 0.82 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FDEM charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FEM.

Performance

FDEM vs. FEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDEM achieves a 14.53% return, which is significantly higher than FEM's 13.37% return.

FDEM

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -1.28%
• 6M: 6.08%
• YTD: 14.53%
• 1Y: 28.23%
• 3Y*: 18.72%
• 5Y*: 9.38%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.19%

FEM

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: -2.05%
• 6M: 5.28%
• YTD: 13.37%
• 1Y: 27.56%
• 3Y*: 14.41%
• 5Y*: 7.31%
• 10Y*: 8.23%
• ALL TIME*: 3.61%

*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)
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	$2.80M	$2.66M	$4.40M
FEM First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund	$3.32M	$3.48M	$3.62M

FDEM vs. FEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	14.53%	26.75%	9.34%	17.26%	-13.11%	-3.52%	8.87%	5.60%
FEM First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund	13.37%	28.36%	3.01%	10.84%	-14.24%	7.40%	-1.68%	8.48%

Correlation

The correlation between FDEM and FEM is 0.82, 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.	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2019	0.82

The correlation between FDEM and FEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDEM vs. FEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDEM	FEM
Technology	39.5%	29.9%
Financial Services	15.8%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	5.4%
Communication Services	9.4%	4.6%
Energy	6.7%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	6.6%	2.9%
Real Estate	4.5%	2.5%
Industrials	4.3%	19.1%
Basic Materials	2.6%	7.2%
Utilities	0.0%	6.0%
Healthcare	-	2.7%

Return for Risk

FDEM vs. FEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDEM

FDEM Risk / Return Rank: 55
FDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
FDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 56
FDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 56

FEM

FEM Risk / Return Rank: 60
FEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
FEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FEM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
FEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FEM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

FDEM vs. FEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) and First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM). 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.

	FDEM	FEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.35	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.80	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.24	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	2.50	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.60	7.78	-1.18

FDEM vs. FEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the FEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDEM and FEM, 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

FDEM vs. FEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDEM drawdown since its inception was -33.65%, smaller than the maximum FEM drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDEM and FEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDEM	FEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.65%	-46.23%	+12.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.70%	-10.88%	-1.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.04%	-18.79%	+2.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.82%	-31.72%	+5.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.94%	-8.18%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.77%	-14.95%	+6.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.10%	3.48%	+0.62%

Volatility

FDEM vs. FEM - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) and First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM) have volatilities of 7.53% and 7.75%, 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

	FDEM	FEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.53%	7.75%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.27%	17.64%	+1.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.14%	20.19%	+0.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.93%	18.86%	-1.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.32%	21.01%	-2.69%

FDEM vs. FEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDEM has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than FEM's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDEM vs. FEM - Dividend Comparison

FDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.05%, more than FEM's 2.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	3.05%	3.23%	4.05%	4.41%	3.95%	2.71%	1.84%	2.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FEM First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund	2.32%	3.13%	3.66%	4.96%	6.15%	4.15%	2.68%	3.31%	3.52%	2.45%	2.25%	3.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDEM and FEM in my portfolio?

FDEM and FEM have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDEM or FEM?

FEM has higher volatility (7.75%) compared to FDEM (7.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDEM dropped -33.65% vs FEM's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, FDEM or FEM?

On 5-year performance, FDEM leads with 9.38% vs 7.31% for FEM. On fees, FDEM is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, FDEM has been the lower-risk option at 7.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDEM or FEM?

Over the 5-year period, FDEM has performed better with a 9.38% return vs 7.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDEM or FEM?

FDEM is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEM.

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

FDEM has the higher dividend yield at 3.05%, compared with 2.32% for FEM.

What is the main difference between FDEM and FEM?

FDEM tracks Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor Index, while FEM tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FDEM and 0.80% for FEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs 1.28), 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.