FEMS vs. GEME

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FEMS (First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) and GEME (Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. FEMS is passively managed, while GEME is actively managed. Over the past year, FEMS returned 24.04% vs 78.02% for GEME. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FEMS charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GEME.

Performance

FEMS vs. GEME - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEMS achieves a 12.25% return, which is significantly lower than GEME's 37.12% return.

FEMS

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -2.76%
• YTD: 12.25%
• 6M: 11.00%
• 1Y: 24.04%
• 3Y*: 13.24%
• 5Y*: 4.45%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

GEME

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: 7.83%
• YTD: 37.12%
• 6M: 43.45%
• 1Y: 78.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FEMS vs. GEME - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	12.25%	17.25%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	37.12%	37.35%

Correlation

The correlation between FEMS and GEME is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2025	0.67

The correlation between FEMS and GEME has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FEMS vs. GEME — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEMS

FEMS Risk / Return Rank: 47
FEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 43
FEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
FEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

GEME

GEME Risk / Return Rank: 93
GEME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
GEME Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
GEME Omega Ratio Rank: 93
GEME Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
GEME Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

FEMS vs. GEME - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) and Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME). 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.

	FEMS	GEME	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	3.69	-2.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	4.48	-2.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.64	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	5.83	-3.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.34	22.78	-15.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FEMS vs. GEME - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is lower than the GEME Sharpe Ratio of 3.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEMS and GEME, 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

	FEMS	GEME	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.53	3.69	-2.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	2.59	-2.32

Drawdowns

FEMS vs. GEME - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEMS drawdown since its inception was -47.85%, which is greater than GEME's maximum drawdown of -16.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEMS and GEME.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEMS	GEME	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.85%	-16.86%	-30.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.59%	-13.46%	+4.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.09%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.89%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.80%	-2.23%	-2.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.40%	-2.30%	-15.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	3.44%	-0.15%

Volatility

FEMS vs. GEME - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) is 6.03%, while Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) has a volatility of 8.57%. This indicates that FEMS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GEME based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEMS	GEME	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.03%	8.57%	-2.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.98%	17.94%	-4.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.83%	21.26%	-5.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.66%	22.94%	-5.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.96%	22.94%	-2.98%

FEMS vs. GEME - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEMS has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than GEME's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEMS vs. GEME - Dividend Comparison

FEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.27%, less than GEME's 5.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	4.27%	4.27%	3.97%	4.65%	4.55%	6.25%	2.90%	4.37%	4.68%	3.39%	2.42%	3.28%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	5.11%	7.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEMS and GEME in my portfolio?

FEMS and GEME have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FEMS or GEME?

GEME has higher volatility (8.57%) compared to FEMS (6.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEMS dropped -47.85% vs GEME's -16.86%.

Which ETF is better, FEMS or GEME?

On 1-year performance, GEME leads with 78.02% vs 24.04% for FEMS. On fees, GEME is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, FEMS has been the lower-risk option at 6.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FEMS or GEME?

Over the 1-year period, GEME has performed better with a 78.02% return vs 24.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEMS or GEME?

GEME is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FEMS or GEME?

GEME has the higher dividend yield at 5.11%, compared with 4.27% for FEMS.

What is the main difference between FEMS and GEME?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Pacific AM. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FEMS and 0.75% for GEME.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.69 vs 1.53), 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.