FEM vs. EMXF

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FEM (First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund) and EMXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - FEM tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Index while EMXF tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FEM returned 7.31%/yr vs 7.03%/yr for EMXF. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FEM charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for EMXF.

Performance

FEM vs. EMXF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEM achieves a 20.27% return, which is significantly lower than EMXF's 24.08% return.

FEM

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 20.27%
• 6M: 22.14%
• 1Y: 41.40%
• 3Y*: 20.55%
• 5Y*: 7.31%
• 10Y*: 9.68%

EMXF

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 5.84%
• YTD: 24.08%
• 6M: 26.64%
• 1Y: 44.86%
• 3Y*: 20.65%
• 5Y*: 7.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

FEM vs. EMXF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FEM First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund	20.27%	28.36%	3.01%	10.84%	-14.24%	7.40%	13.97%
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	24.08%	29.40%	8.03%	6.63%	-18.99%	4.45%	15.32%

Correlation

The correlation between FEM and EMXF is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2020	0.71

The correlation between FEM and EMXF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

FEM vs. EMXF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FEM	EMXF
Technology	24.5%	35.2%
Industrials	20.9%	5.5%
Energy	14.1%	0.0%
Basic Materials	8.6%	2.6%
Financial Services	7.0%	32.2%
Utilities	6.2%	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	5.7%
Communication Services	4.6%	8.0%
Healthcare	3.1%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	2.9%
Real Estate	2.5%	1.7%

Return for Risk

FEM vs. EMXF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEM

FEM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FEM Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FEM Martin Ratio Rank: 84

EMXF

EMXF Risk / Return Rank: 74
EMXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
EMXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
EMXF Omega Ratio Rank: 76
EMXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EMXF Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

FEM vs. EMXF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF). 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.

	FEM	EMXF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.42	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	3.28	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.44	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.47	3.60	+0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.89	13.82	+3.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FEM vs. EMXF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the EMXF Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEM and EMXF, 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

	FEM	EMXF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	2.42	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	0.32	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.19	0.51	-0.32

Drawdowns

FEM vs. EMXF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEM drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than EMXF's maximum drawdown of -33.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEM and EMXF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEM	EMXF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-33.13%	-13.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.31%	-12.53%	+3.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.79%	-15.93%	-2.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.72%	-32.89%	+1.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.23%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.59%	-1.84%	-0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.04%	-12.02%	-3.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	3.25%	-0.79%

Volatility

FEM vs. EMXF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM) is 6.05%, while iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) has a volatility of 7.94%. This indicates that FEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMXF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEM	EMXF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.05%	7.94%	-1.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.47%	16.15%	-1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.39%	18.61%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.39%	22.15%	-3.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.96%	21.76%	-0.80%

FEM vs. EMXF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEM has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than EMXF's 0.16% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEM vs. EMXF - Dividend Comparison

FEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.58%, less than EMXF's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF	2.77%	3.43%	2.92%	2.25%	2.42%	1.87%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FEM First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund	2.58%	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 FEM and EMXF in my portfolio?

FEM and EMXF have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FEM or EMXF?

EMXF has higher volatility (7.94%) compared to FEM (6.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEM dropped -46.23% vs EMXF's -33.13%.

Which ETF is better, FEM or EMXF?

On 5-year performance, FEM leads with 7.31% vs 7.03% for EMXF. On fees, EMXF is cheaper at 0.16% per year. On volatility, FEM has been the lower-risk option at 6.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FEM or EMXF?

Over the 5-year period, FEM has performed better with a 7.31% return vs 7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEM or EMXF?

EMXF is cheaper with a 0.16% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEM.

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

EMXF has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 2.58% for FEM.

What is the main difference between FEM and EMXF?

FEM tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Index, while EMXF tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FEM and 0.16% for EMXF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.39), 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.