FZILX vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FZILX (Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both funds - FZILX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Global ex U.S. Index, while IEMG is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FZILX returned 8.89%/yr vs 8.16%/yr for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FZILX charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

FZILX vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund (FZILX) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FZILX achieves a 14.46% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 26.58% return.

FZILX

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 3.44%
• YTD: 14.46%
• 6M: 15.88%
• 1Y: 31.18%
• 3Y*: 19.17%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: —

IEMG

• 1D: 3.05%
• 1M: 7.04%
• YTD: 26.58%
• 6M: 29.75%
• 1Y: 49.25%
• 3Y*: 22.05%
• 5Y*: 8.16%
• 10Y*: 10.66%

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

FZILX vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FZILX Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund	14.46%	33.52%	5.32%	16.28%	-15.96%	8.19%	11.06%	21.69%	-9.38%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	26.58%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-4.53%

Correlation

The correlation between FZILX and IEMG is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 16, 2018	0.88

The correlation between FZILX and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FZILX vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FZILX

FZILX Risk / Return Rank: 58
FZILX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FZILX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
FZILX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FZILX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FZILX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 80
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 83
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

FZILX vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund (FZILX) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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.

	FZILX	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.33	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	3.00	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.44	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	3.75	-1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.15	13.77	-3.63

FZILX vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FZILX Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FZILX and IEMG, 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

FZILX vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FZILX drawdown since its inception was -34.37%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FZILX and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FZILX	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.37%	-38.71%	+4.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.24%	-13.21%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.47%	-17.21%	+3.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.87%	-35.75%	+5.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.58%	-1.05%	-0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.68%	-12.95%	+6.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	3.59%	-0.67%

Volatility

FZILX vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund (FZILX) is 6.65%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 11.01%. This indicates that FZILX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FZILX	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.65%	11.01%	-4.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.40%	19.09%	-5.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.59%	21.25%	-5.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.70%	18.78%	-3.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.39%	20.19%	-2.80%

FZILX vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FZILX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FZILX vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

FZILX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, less than IEMG's 2.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FZILX Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund	2.34%	2.67%	3.00%	2.98%	2.71%	2.61%	1.64%	2.37%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.97%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FZILX and IEMG in my portfolio?

FZILX and IEMG have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FZILX or IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (11.01%) compared to FZILX (6.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FZILX dropped -34.37% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IEMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.90), 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.