MFEM vs. CMDT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFEM (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and CMDT (PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MFEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Market Index, while CMDT is a Commodities fund tracking the Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Total Return Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MFEM returned 20.13%/yr vs 12.77%/yr for CMDT. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MFEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for CMDT.

Performance

MFEM vs. CMDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) and PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEM achieves a 22.43% return, which is significantly higher than CMDT's 13.43% return.

MFEM

• 1D: -4.55%
• 1M: -0.67%
• YTD: 22.43%
• 6M: 23.23%
• 1Y: 40.87%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 7.53%
• 10Y*: —

CMDT

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: -8.86%
• YTD: 13.43%
• 6M: 13.42%
• 1Y: 21.34%
• 3Y*: 12.77%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MFEM vs. CMDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MFEM PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	22.43%	25.33%	4.73%	8.12%
CMDT PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund	13.43%	12.78%	6.93%	5.37%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEM and CMDT is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2023	0.28

The correlation between MFEM and CMDT shifts across timeframes, from 0.11 (1 year) to 0.28 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MFEM vs. CMDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEM

MFEM Risk / Return Rank: 63
MFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
MFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
MFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
MFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
MFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

CMDT

CMDT Risk / Return Rank: 50
CMDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
CMDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
CMDT Omega Ratio Rank: 48
CMDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
CMDT Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

MFEM vs. CMDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) and PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT). 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.

	MFEM	CMDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.71	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.39	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.29	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	1.93	+1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.95	9.62	+1.33

MFEM vs. CMDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the CMDT Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEM and CMDT, 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

MFEM vs. CMDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEM drawdown since its inception was -43.32%, which is greater than CMDT's maximum drawdown of -11.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEM and CMDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEM	CMDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.32%	-11.11%	-32.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.86%	-11.11%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.22%	-11.11%	-8.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.95%	-11.11%	+3.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.45%	-2.77%	-8.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	2.25%	+1.49%

Volatility

MFEM vs. CMDT - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) has a higher volatility of 11.67% compared to PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund (CMDT) at 3.26%. This indicates that MFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CMDT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEM	CMDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	3.26%	+8.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.63%	10.60%	+9.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.40%	12.65%	+8.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.16%	12.24%	+4.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.63%	12.24%	+7.39%

MFEM vs. CMDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than CMDT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEM vs. CMDT - Dividend Comparison

MFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than CMDT's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CMDT PIMCO Commodity Strategy Active Exchange-Traded Fund	2.67%	3.04%	8.80%	2.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MFEM PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.27%	2.77%	5.89%	4.01%	7.01%	29.96%	1.70%	2.37%	1.18%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEM and CMDT in my portfolio?

MFEM and CMDT have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFEM or CMDT?

MFEM has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to CMDT (3.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEM dropped -43.32% vs CMDT's -11.11%.

Which ETF is better, MFEM or CMDT?

On 3-year performance, MFEM leads with 20.13% vs 12.77% for CMDT. On fees, MFEM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, CMDT has been the lower-risk option at 3.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFEM or CMDT?

Over the 3-year period, MFEM has performed better with a 20.13% return vs 12.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFEM or CMDT?

MFEM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for CMDT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MFEM or CMDT?

CMDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.27% for MFEM.

What is the main difference between MFEM and CMDT?

MFEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while CMDT is Commodities. MFEM tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Market Index, while CMDT tracks Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Total Return Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for MFEM and 0.65% for CMDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.71), 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.