GEME vs. ESGE

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

GEME (Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) and ESGE (iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. GEME is actively managed, while ESGE is passively managed. Over the past year, GEME returned 63.98% vs 41.32% for ESGE. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GEME charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for ESGE.

Performance

GEME vs. ESGE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GEME achieves a 32.93% return, which is significantly higher than ESGE's 22.41% return.

GEME

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 32.93%
• 6M: 34.04%
• 1Y: 63.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESGE

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 2.95%
• YTD: 22.41%
• 6M: 23.02%
• 1Y: 41.32%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 6.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

GEME vs. ESGE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	32.93%	37.43%
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	22.41%	32.91%

Correlation

The correlation between GEME and ESGE is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2025	0.90

The correlation between GEME and ESGE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GEME vs. ESGE — Risk / Return Rank

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

GEME

GEME Risk / Return Rank: 89
GEME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
GEME Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
GEME Omega Ratio Rank: 89
GEME Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GEME Martin Ratio Rank: 89

ESGE

ESGE Risk / Return Rank: 64
ESGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ESGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ESGE Omega Ratio Rank: 67
ESGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
ESGE Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

GEME vs. ESGE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE). 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.

	GEME	ESGE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.80	1.84	+0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.34	2.39	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.36	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.78	2.99	+1.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.60	11.08	+6.52

GEME vs. ESGE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GEME Sharpe Ratio is 2.80, which is higher than the ESGE Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GEME and ESGE, 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

GEME vs. ESGE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GEME drawdown since its inception was -16.86%, smaller than the maximum ESGE drawdown of -41.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GEME and ESGE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GEME	ESGE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.86%	-41.07%	+24.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.46%	-13.90%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.71%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-39.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.22%	-5.51%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-14.40%	+12.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.65%	3.74%	-0.09%

Volatility

GEME vs. ESGE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (GEME) is 10.98%, while iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) has a volatility of 12.44%. This indicates that GEME experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESGE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GEME	ESGE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.98%	12.44%	-1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.43%	20.64%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.23%	22.75%	+0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.96%	19.71%	+4.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.96%	20.19%	+3.77%

GEME vs. ESGE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GEME has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ESGE's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

GEME vs. ESGE - Dividend Comparison

GEME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.27%, more than ESGE's 2.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ESGE iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF	2.11%	2.50%	2.41%	2.64%	2.68%	2.66%	1.31%	2.59%	2.19%	1.86%	0.27%
GEME Pacific North of South Global Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	5.27%	7.01%	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 GEME and ESGE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, GEME and ESGE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, GEME or ESGE?

ESGE has higher volatility (12.44%) compared to GEME (10.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GEME dropped -16.86% vs ESGE's -41.07%.

Which ETF is better, GEME or ESGE?

On 1-year performance, GEME leads with 63.98% vs 41.32% for ESGE. On fees, ESGE is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, GEME has been the lower-risk option at 10.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GEME or ESGE?

Over the 1-year period, GEME has performed better with a 63.98% return vs 41.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GEME or ESGE?

ESGE is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GEME.

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

GEME has the higher dividend yield at 5.27%, compared with 2.11% for ESGE.

What is the main difference between GEME and ESGE?

They also come from different issuers: Pacific AM and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for GEME and 0.25% for ESGE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GEME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.80 vs 1.84), 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.