GEM vs. RNEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

GEM (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - GEM tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index while RNEM tracks the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GEM returned 7.00%/yr vs 4.79%/yr for RNEM. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GEM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RNEM.

Performance

GEM vs. RNEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) 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, GEM achieves a 18.38% return, which is significantly higher than RNEM's 0.25% return.

GEM

• 1D: -3.47%
• 1M: -4.39%
• 6M: 12.13%
• YTD: 18.38%
• 1Y: 35.61%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 8.54%

RNEM

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.16%
• 6M: -1.96%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 1Y: 2.60%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

GEM vs. RNEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	18.38%	33.43%	6.66%	11.82%	-21.33%	-0.19%	13.23%	17.79%	-14.25%	16.10%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	0.25%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	-8.75%	6.16%	-8.16%	12.76%	-9.34%	11.97%

Correlation

The correlation between GEM and RNEM is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2017	0.71

The correlation between GEM and RNEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

GEM vs. RNEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GEM	RNEM
Technology	43.5%	6.4%
Financial Services	18.6%	35.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	9.9%
Communication Services	6.4%	8.7%
Basic Materials	6.4%	14.2%
Industrials	5.6%	3.9%
Energy	3.0%	7.0%
Healthcare	2.9%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	6.0%
Utilities	1.8%	3.5%
Real Estate	0.8%	0.8%

Return for Risk

GEM vs. RNEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

GEM

GEM Risk / Return Rank: 61
GEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
GEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
GEM Omega Ratio Rank: 62
GEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
GEM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 12
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 11
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

GEM vs. RNEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	GEM	RNEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	0.21	+1.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	0.39	+1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.05	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	0.24	+2.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.17	0.65	+8.52

GEM vs. RNEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is higher than the RNEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GEM 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

GEM vs. RNEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GEM drawdown since its inception was -37.02%, roughly equal to the maximum RNEM drawdown of -38.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GEM and RNEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	GEM	RNEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.02%	-38.38%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.50%	-10.71%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.54%	-13.09%	-3.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.72%	-21.41%	-12.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.91%	-5.81%	-3.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.94%	-9.26%	-2.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.89%	3.99%	-0.10%

Volatility

GEM vs. RNEM - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) has a higher volatility of 10.78% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) at 3.75%. This indicates that GEM'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

	GEM	RNEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.78%	3.75%	+7.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.92%	10.93%	+9.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.91%	12.51%	+10.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.50%	14.48%	+4.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.25%	17.18%	+2.07%

GEM vs. RNEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

GEM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than RNEM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

GEM vs. RNEM - Dividend Comparison

GEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.94%, less than RNEM's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GEM Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF	1.94%	2.30%	2.58%	2.97%	2.96%	3.00%	1.63%	3.13%	2.08%	1.81%	1.98%	0.25%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.37%	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 GEM and RNEM in my portfolio?

GEM and RNEM have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GEM or RNEM?

GEM has higher volatility (10.78%) compared to RNEM (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GEM dropped -37.02% vs RNEM's -38.38%.

Which ETF is better, GEM or RNEM?

On 5-year performance, GEM leads with 7.00% vs 4.79% for RNEM. On fees, GEM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GEM or RNEM?

Over the 5-year period, GEM has performed better with a 7.00% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GEM or RNEM?

GEM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for RNEM.

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

RNEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 1.94% for GEM.

What is the main difference between GEM and RNEM?

GEM tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity Index, while RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GEM and 0.75% for RNEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 0.21), 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.