FTHF vs. EMEQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) and EMEQ (Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. FTHF is passively managed, while EMEQ is actively managed. Over the past year, FTHF returned 113.71% vs 170.96% for EMEQ. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTHF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for EMEQ.

Performance

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) and Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EMEQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTHF achieves a 54.07% return, which is significantly lower than EMEQ's 80.39% return.

FTHF

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 17.56%
• YTD: 54.07%
• 6M: 64.60%
• 1Y: 113.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EMEQ

• 1D: 2.38%
• 1M: 28.19%
• YTD: 80.39%
• 6M: 91.18%
• 1Y: 170.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	54.07%	65.30%	-9.35%
EMEQ Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF	80.39%	69.78%	-1.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FTHF and EMEQ is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2024	0.84

The correlation between FTHF and EMEQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTHF	EMEQ
Technology	40.7%	56.6%
Financial Services	27.7%	11.1%
Basic Materials	10.3%	1.8%
Energy	7.2%	7.0%
Industrials	6.2%	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	2.9%
Utilities	2.5%	-
Communication Services	1.0%	5.7%
Consumer Cyclical	0.6%	8.2%
Healthcare	0.5%	1.0%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FTHF vs. EMEQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTHF

FTHF Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FTHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FTHF Omega Ratio Rank: 93
FTHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FTHF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

EMEQ

EMEQ Risk / Return Rank: 96
EMEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
EMEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
EMEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 96
EMEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
EMEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) and Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EMEQ). 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.

	FTHF	EMEQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.50	5.37	-1.87
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.97	5.35	-1.38
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.65	1.77	-0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.11	9.68	-2.57
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	20.04	38.83	-18.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTHF Sharpe Ratio is 3.50, which is lower than the EMEQ Sharpe Ratio of 5.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTHF and EMEQ, 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

	FTHF	EMEQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.50	5.37	-1.87
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.91	3.00	-1.09

Drawdowns

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTHF drawdown since its inception was -17.36%, smaller than the maximum EMEQ drawdown of -19.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTHF and EMEQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTHF	EMEQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.36%	-19.99%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.31%	-17.91%	+1.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.22%	-3.97%	-0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.79%	4.47%	+1.32%

Volatility

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) is 11.87%, while Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EMEQ) has a volatility of 15.03%. This indicates that FTHF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMEQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTHF	EMEQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.87%	15.03%	-3.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.37%	28.45%	-4.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.70%	32.05%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.44%	29.98%	-4.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.44%	29.98%	-4.54%

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTHF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than EMEQ's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTHF vs. EMEQ - Dividend Comparison

FTHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.93%, more than EMEQ's 1.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMEQ Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.53%	2.76%	0.84%	0.00%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	2.93%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTHF and EMEQ in my portfolio?

FTHF and EMEQ have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTHF or EMEQ?

EMEQ has higher volatility (15.03%) compared to FTHF (11.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTHF dropped -17.36% vs EMEQ's -19.99%.

Which ETF is better, FTHF or EMEQ?

On 1-year performance, EMEQ leads with 170.96% vs 113.71% for FTHF. On fees, FTHF is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, FTHF has been the lower-risk option at 11.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTHF or EMEQ?

Over the 1-year period, EMEQ has performed better with a 170.96% return vs 113.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTHF or EMEQ?

FTHF is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for EMEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTHF or EMEQ?

FTHF has the higher dividend yield at 2.93%, compared with 1.53% for EMEQ.

What is the main difference between FTHF and EMEQ?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Nomura. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for FTHF and 0.86% for EMEQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMEQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.37 vs 3.50), 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.