GMOEX vs. ESCIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GMOEX (GMO Emerging Markets Fund) and ESCIX (Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Over the past 10 years, GMOEX returned 9.47%/yr vs 9.82%/yr for ESCIX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GMOEX charges 0.90%/yr vs 1.52%/yr for ESCIX.

Performance

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GMO Emerging Markets Fund (GMOEX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GMOEX achieves a 40.62% return, which is significantly higher than ESCIX's 8.91% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GMOEX having a 9.47% annualized return and ESCIX not far ahead at 9.82%.

GMOEX

• 1D: 2.39%
• 1M: 5.18%
• YTD: 40.62%
• 6M: 43.28%
• 1Y: 67.42%
• 3Y*: 27.88%
• 5Y*: 7.85%
• 10Y*: 9.47%

ESCIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 8.91%
• 6M: 10.36%
• 1Y: 26.39%
• 3Y*: 13.96%
• 5Y*: 4.41%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

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

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GMOEX GMO Emerging Markets Fund	40.62%	33.86%	1.95%	17.68%	-31.57%	2.05%	5.50%	22.15%	-12.82%	32.05%
ESCIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund	8.91%	26.07%	3.55%	19.64%	-24.45%	11.93%	43.41%	15.24%	-22.01%	28.57%

Correlation

The correlation between GMOEX and ESCIX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 5, 2011	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between GMOEX and ESCIX has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

GMOEX vs. ESCIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GMOEX

GMOEX Risk / Return Rank: 93
GMOEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
GMOEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
GMOEX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
GMOEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
GMOEX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

ESCIX

ESCIX Risk / Return Rank: 87
ESCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
ESCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
ESCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
ESCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
ESCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GMO Emerging Markets Fund (GMOEX) and Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX). 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.

	GMOEX	ESCIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.06	2.43	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.23	3.56	+0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.64	1.54	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.89	4.78	+0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.34	17.81	-0.47

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GMOEX Sharpe Ratio is 3.06, which is comparable to the ESCIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GMOEX and ESCIX, 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

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GMOEX drawdown since its inception was -76.43%, which is greater than ESCIX's maximum drawdown of -48.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GMOEX and ESCIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GMOEX	ESCIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.43%	-48.76%	-27.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.38%	-5.70%	-7.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.92%	-19.97%	+3.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.52%	-36.59%	-5.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.50%	-48.76%	+5.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.12%	-0.74%	-3.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.39%	-13.29%	-24.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.77%	1.52%	+2.25%

Volatility

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Volatility Comparison

GMO Emerging Markets Fund (GMOEX) has a higher volatility of 9.66% compared to Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund (ESCIX) at 0.00%. This indicates that GMOEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESCIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GMOEX	ESCIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.66%	0.00%	+9.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.24%	6.72%	+12.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.41%	11.24%	+10.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	15.63%	+1.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.32%	17.57%	-0.25%

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GMOEX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than ESCIX's 1.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

GMOEX vs. ESCIX - Dividend Comparison

GMOEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.56%, more than ESCIX's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESCIX Ashmore Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Fund	0.42%	0.91%	0.00%	0.56%	0.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.11%	1.66%	1.16%	0.00%
GMOEX GMO Emerging Markets Fund	3.56%	5.01%	3.79%	6.00%	8.08%	4.48%	3.71%	4.63%	3.36%	2.56%	2.21%	1.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GMOEX and ESCIX in my portfolio?

GMOEX and ESCIX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GMOEX or ESCIX?

GMOEX has higher volatility (9.66%) compared to ESCIX (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GMOEX dropped -76.43% vs ESCIX's -48.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GMOEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.06 vs 2.43), 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.