FEMR vs. GEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FEMR (Fidelity Enhanced Emerging Markets ETF) and GEM (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FEMR is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Fidelity, while GEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index. FEMR is actively managed, while GEM is passively managed. Over the past year, FEMR returned 55.15% vs 45.28% for GEM. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FEMR charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for GEM.

Performance

FEMR vs. GEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Enhanced Emerging Markets ETF (FEMR) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEMR achieves a 29.38% return, which is significantly higher than GEM's 22.90% return.

FEMR

• 1D: -5.78%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 29.38%
• 6M: 31.28%
• 1Y: 55.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GEM

• 1D: -5.43%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: 22.90%
• 6M: 23.85%
• 1Y: 45.28%
• 3Y*: 22.41%
• 5Y*: 7.42%
• 10Y*: 9.90%

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

FEMR vs. GEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FEMR Fidelity Enhanced Emerging Markets ETF	29.38%	35.27%	-1.48%
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	22.90%	33.43%	-1.46%

Correlation

The correlation between FEMR and GEM 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024	0.94

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

Return for Risk

FEMR vs. GEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEMR

FEMR Risk / Return Rank: 77
FEMR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
FEMR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FEMR Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FEMR Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FEMR Martin Ratio Rank: 79

GEM

GEM Risk / Return Rank: 68
GEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
GEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
GEM Omega Ratio Rank: 70
GEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
GEM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

FEMR vs. GEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Enhanced Emerging Markets ETF (FEMR) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM). 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.

	FEMR	GEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.33	2.05	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.64	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.39	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.83	3.37	+0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.57	12.44	+2.13

FEMR vs. GEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEMR Sharpe Ratio is 2.33, which is comparable to the GEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEMR and GEM, 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

FEMR vs. GEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEMR drawdown since its inception was -15.58%, smaller than the maximum GEM drawdown of -37.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEMR and GEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEMR	GEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.58%	-37.02%	+21.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.47%	-13.50%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.10%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.02%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.78%	-5.43%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.38%	-11.97%	+9.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.80%	3.65%	+0.15%

Volatility

FEMR vs. GEM - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Enhanced Emerging Markets ETF (FEMR) and Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) have volatilities of 12.62% and 12.24%, 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

	FEMR	GEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.62%	12.24%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.66%	20.13%	+1.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.80%	22.16%	+1.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.78%	18.34%	+4.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.78%	19.21%	+3.57%

FEMR vs. GEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEMR has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than GEM's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEMR vs. GEM - Dividend Comparison

FEMR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than GEM's 1.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEMR Fidelity Enhanced Emerging Markets ETF	1.48%	1.92%	0.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.87%	2.30%	2.58%	2.97%	2.96%	3.00%	1.63%	3.13%	2.08%	1.81%	1.98%	0.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEMR and GEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FEMR and GEM 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, FEMR or GEM?

FEMR has higher volatility (12.62%) compared to GEM (12.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEMR dropped -15.58% vs GEM's -37.02%.

Which ETF is better, FEMR or GEM?

On 1-year performance, FEMR leads with 55.15% vs 45.28% for GEM. On fees, FEMR is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, GEM has been the lower-risk option at 12.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FEMR or GEM?

Over the 1-year period, FEMR has performed better with a 55.15% return vs 45.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEMR or GEM?

FEMR is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for GEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FEMR or GEM?

GEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.87%, compared with 1.48% for FEMR.

What is the main difference between FEMR and GEM?

FEMR is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while GEM is Emerging Markets Equities. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for FEMR and 0.45% for GEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEMR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.05), 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.