FEMS vs. RNEM

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

FEMS (First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) and RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds from First Trust - FEMS tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index while RNEM tracks the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FEMS returned 4.17%/yr vs 5.19%/yr for RNEM. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FEMS charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RNEM.

Performance

FEMS vs. RNEM - 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 First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEMS achieves a 8.27% return, which is significantly higher than RNEM's 1.38% return.

FEMS

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: -2.59%
• 6M: 2.63%
• YTD: 8.27%
• 1Y: 12.89%
• 3Y*: 10.28%
• 5Y*: 4.17%
• 10Y*: 8.24%

RNEM

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.91%
• 6M: -0.13%
• YTD: 1.38%
• 1Y: 3.54%
• 3Y*: 5.88%
• 5Y*: 5.19%
• 10Y*: —

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

FEMS vs. RNEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	8.27%	16.48%	1.88%	3.55%	1.85%	3.76%	7.85%	28.88%	-22.63%	21.81%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	1.38%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	-8.75%	6.16%	-8.16%	12.76%	-9.34%	11.97%

Correlation

The correlation between FEMS and RNEM is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2017	0.63

The correlation between FEMS and RNEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

FEMS vs. RNEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FEMS	RNEM
Technology	16.4%	6.4%
Industrials	16.2%	3.9%
Consumer Cyclical	14.9%	9.9%
Basic Materials	11.7%	14.2%
Real Estate	7.6%	0.8%
Energy	7.4%	7.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.8%	6.0%
Utilities	6.3%	3.5%
Financial Services	5.3%	35.0%
Communication Services	4.4%	8.7%
Healthcare	3.0%	4.5%

Return for Risk

FEMS vs. RNEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEMS

FEMS Risk / Return Rank: 28
FEMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FEMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FEMS Omega Ratio Rank: 25
FEMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
FEMS Martin Ratio Rank: 29

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 14
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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. RNEM - 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 First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). 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.

	FEMS	RNEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	0.28	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	0.49	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.06	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	0.33	+1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.23	0.88	+2.35

FEMS vs. RNEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEMS Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is higher than the RNEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEMS and RNEM, 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

FEMS vs. RNEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEMS drawdown since its inception was -47.85%, which is greater than RNEM's maximum drawdown of -38.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEMS and RNEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEMS	RNEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.85%	-38.38%	-9.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-10.71%	+1.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.09%	-13.09%	-8.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	-21.41%	-2.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.17%	-4.75%	-3.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.31%	-9.25%	-8.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.00%	4.03%	-0.03%

Volatility

FEMS vs. RNEM - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) has a higher volatility of 6.04% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) at 3.16%. This indicates that FEMS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RNEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEMS	RNEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.04%	3.16%	+2.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.01%	10.90%	+4.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.25%	12.49%	+4.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.97%	14.48%	+3.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.96%	17.17%	+2.79%

FEMS vs. RNEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FEMS vs. RNEM - Dividend Comparison

FEMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.30%, more than RNEM's 2.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEMS First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	4.30%	4.27%	3.97%	4.65%	4.55%	6.25%	2.90%	4.37%	4.68%	3.39%	2.42%	3.28%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.34%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FEMS and RNEM in my portfolio?

FEMS and RNEM have a correlation of 0.73, 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 RNEM?

FEMS has higher volatility (6.04%) compared to RNEM (3.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEMS dropped -47.85% vs RNEM's -38.38%.

Which ETF is better, FEMS or RNEM?

On 5-year performance, RNEM leads with 5.19% vs 4.17% for FEMS. On fees, RNEM is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FEMS or RNEM?

Over the 5-year period, RNEM has performed better with a 5.19% return vs 4.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEMS or RNEM?

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

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

FEMS has the higher dividend yield at 4.30%, compared with 2.34% for RNEM.

What is the main difference between FEMS and RNEM?

FEMS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX EM Small Cap Index, while RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FEMS and 0.75% for RNEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEMS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs 0.28), 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.