FDEM vs. QLVE

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FDEM (Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF) and QLVE (FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FDEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Targeted Emerging Markets Factor Index, while QLVE is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Northern Trust Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDEM returned 8.90%/yr vs 7.16%/yr for QLVE. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDEM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for QLVE.

Performance

FDEM vs. QLVE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) and FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDEM achieves a 16.33% return, which is significantly higher than QLVE's 13.71% return.

FDEM

• 1D: 1.55%
• 1M: -3.09%
• 6M: 10.98%
• YTD: 16.33%
• 1Y: 29.47%
• 3Y*: 19.95%
• 5Y*: 8.90%
• 10Y*: —

QLVE

• 1D: 1.57%
• 1M: -1.64%
• 6M: 9.80%
• YTD: 13.71%
• 1Y: 23.78%
• 3Y*: 15.62%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

FDEM vs. QLVE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	16.33%	26.75%	9.34%	17.26%	-13.11%	-3.52%	8.87%	4.46%
QLVE FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	13.71%	21.87%	10.17%	8.53%	-13.10%	0.90%	4.16%	4.77%

Correlation

The correlation between FDEM and QLVE is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 16, 2019	0.88

The correlation between FDEM and QLVE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDEM vs. QLVE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDEM	QLVE
Technology	38.5%	37.3%
Financial Services	15.0%	15.9%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	6.7%
Communication Services	9.6%	10.7%
Energy	7.3%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	6.2%
Real Estate	4.6%	0.1%
Industrials	4.4%	6.3%
Basic Materials	2.7%	3.4%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Utilities	-	4.4%

Return for Risk

FDEM vs. QLVE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDEM

FDEM Risk / Return Rank: 54
FDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
FDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
FDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 56
FDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
FDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 58

QLVE

QLVE Risk / Return Rank: 49
QLVE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
QLVE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
QLVE Omega Ratio Rank: 50
QLVE Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
QLVE Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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. QLVE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) and FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE). 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	QLVE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.26	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	1.82	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.26	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.06	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.13	7.44	+0.69

FDEM vs. QLVE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the QLVE Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDEM and QLVE, 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. QLVE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDEM drawdown since its inception was -33.65%, which is greater than QLVE's maximum drawdown of -29.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDEM and QLVE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDEM	QLVE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.65%	-29.96%	-3.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.70%	-11.60%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.04%	-13.29%	-2.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.34%	-23.60%	-2.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.49%	-4.93%	-1.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.77%	-8.23%	-0.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.63%	3.20%	+0.43%

Volatility

FDEM vs. QLVE - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF (FDEM) has a higher volatility of 8.88% compared to FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE) at 7.77%. This indicates that FDEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QLVE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDEM	QLVE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.88%	7.77%	+1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.76%	17.63%	+1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.50%	18.93%	+1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.87%	14.11%	+2.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.28%	16.10%	+2.18%

FDEM vs. QLVE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDEM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than QLVE's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDEM vs. QLVE - Dividend Comparison

FDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, more than QLVE's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FDEM Fidelity Emerging Markets Multifactor ETF	3.01%	3.23%	4.05%	4.41%	3.95%	2.71%	1.84%	2.39%
QLVE FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	2.66%	3.14%	3.11%	3.00%	2.48%	2.57%	1.66%	1.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDEM and QLVE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FDEM and QLVE 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 QLVE?

FDEM has higher volatility (8.88%) compared to QLVE (7.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDEM dropped -33.65% vs QLVE's -29.96%.

Which ETF is better, FDEM or QLVE?

On 5-year performance, FDEM leads with 8.90% vs 7.16% for QLVE. On fees, QLVE is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, QLVE has been the lower-risk option at 7.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDEM or QLVE?

Over the 5-year period, FDEM has performed better with a 8.90% return vs 7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDEM or QLVE?

QLVE is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDEM.

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

FDEM has the higher dividend yield at 3.01%, compared with 2.66% for QLVE.

What is the main difference between FDEM and QLVE?

FDEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while QLVE is Volatility Hedged Equity. FDEM tracks Fidelity Targeted Emerging Markets Factor Index, while QLVE tracks Northern Trust Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FDEM and 0.40% for QLVE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.26), 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.