MFEM vs. ECON

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFEM (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and ECON (Columbia Emerging Markets Consumer ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - MFEM tracks the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Market Index while ECON tracks the Dow Jones Emerging Markets Consumer Titans Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MFEM returned 7.53%/yr vs 6.68%/yr for ECON. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

MFEM vs. ECON - 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 Columbia Emerging Markets Consumer ETF (ECON). 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 lower than ECON's 31.82% return.

MFEM

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

ECON

• 1D: -5.13%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 31.82%
• 6M: 32.29%
• 1Y: 58.08%
• 3Y*: 22.38%
• 5Y*: 6.68%
• 10Y*: 6.38%

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

MFEM vs. ECON - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEM PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	22.43%	25.33%	4.73%	15.14%	-19.50%	10.77%	11.33%	15.26%	-14.64%	4.86%
ECON Columbia Emerging Markets Consumer ETF	31.82%	34.15%	0.22%	7.51%	-16.00%	-14.11%	20.83%	17.22%	-26.87%	3.19%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEM and ECON 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	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2017	0.84

The correlation between MFEM and ECON has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

MFEM vs. ECON - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MFEM	ECON
Technology	29.1%	44.0%
Financial Services	16.0%	20.5%
Basic Materials	13.8%	5.5%
Industrials	11.3%	6.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	6.1%
Energy	7.5%	3.5%
Communication Services	4.5%	5.3%
Utilities	3.4%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	2.9%
Healthcare	1.4%	2.6%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.1%

Return for Risk

MFEM vs. ECON — 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

ECON

ECON Risk / Return Rank: 82
ECON Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
ECON Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
ECON Omega Ratio Rank: 85
ECON Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
ECON Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. ECON - 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 Columbia Emerging Markets Consumer ETF (ECON). 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	ECON	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.48	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	3.15	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.47	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	4.24	-1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.95	15.17	-4.22

MFEM vs. ECON - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the ECON Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEM and ECON, 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. ECON - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEM drawdown since its inception was -43.32%, roughly equal to the maximum ECON drawdown of -45.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEM and ECON.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEM	ECON	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.32%	-45.37%	+2.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.86%	-13.76%	+0.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.22%	-16.37%	-2.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.84%	-38.08%	+7.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.95%	-5.13%	-2.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.45%	-16.60%	+5.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	3.84%	-0.10%

Volatility

MFEM vs. ECON - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) is 11.67%, while Columbia Emerging Markets Consumer ETF (ECON) has a volatility of 13.47%. This indicates that MFEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ECON based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEM	ECON	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	13.47%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.63%	21.31%	-1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.40%	23.50%	-2.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.16%	20.95%	-3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.63%	21.23%	-1.60%

MFEM vs. ECON - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MFEM and ECON have an expense ratio of 0.49%.

Dividends

MFEM vs. ECON - Dividend Comparison

MFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, more than ECON's 1.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECON Columbia Emerging Markets Consumer ETF	1.34%	1.77%	0.76%	1.57%	2.06%	1.08%	0.63%	1.68%	0.98%	0.35%	0.74%	1.10%
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%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEM and ECON in my portfolio?

MFEM and ECON 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, MFEM or ECON?

ECON has higher volatility (13.47%) compared to MFEM (11.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEM dropped -43.32% vs ECON's -45.37%.

Which ETF is better, MFEM or ECON?

On 5-year performance, MFEM leads with 7.53% vs 6.68% for ECON. Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. On volatility, MFEM has been the lower-risk option at 11.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFEM or ECON?

Over the 5-year period, MFEM has performed better with a 7.53% return vs 6.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFEM or ECON?

MFEM and ECON have the same expense ratio: 0.49% per year.

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

MFEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 1.34% for ECON.

What is the main difference between MFEM and ECON?

MFEM tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Market Index, while ECON tracks Dow Jones Emerging Markets Consumer Titans Index. They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and Ameriprise Financial.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ECON currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.92), 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.