MFEM vs. VFMF

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MFEM (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and VFMF (Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MFEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Market Index, while VFMF is a Multi-factor fund actively managed by Vanguard. MFEM is passively managed, while VFMF is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, MFEM returned 7.20%/yr vs 14.79%/yr for VFMF. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MFEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for VFMF.

Performance

MFEM vs. VFMF - 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 Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEM achieves a 18.46% return, which is significantly lower than VFMF's 20.33% return.

MFEM

• 1D: -2.48%
• 1M: -5.89%
• 6M: 12.81%
• YTD: 18.46%
• 1Y: 30.64%
• 3Y*: 17.11%
• 5Y*: 7.20%
• 10Y*: —

VFMF

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 2.16%
• 6M: 16.06%
• YTD: 20.33%
• 1Y: 35.05%
• 3Y*: 21.59%
• 5Y*: 14.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

MFEM vs. VFMF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MFEM PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	18.46%	25.33%	4.73%	15.14%	-19.50%	10.77%	11.33%	15.26%	-16.52%
VFMF Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF	20.33%	17.38%	15.60%	18.52%	-5.70%	30.05%	4.99%	22.34%	-10.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEM and VFMF is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.61

The correlation between MFEM and VFMF shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.61 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MFEM vs. VFMF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MFEM	VFMF
Technology	29.1%	12.9%
Financial Services	16.0%	24.6%
Basic Materials	13.8%	4.0%
Industrials	11.3%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	13.6%
Energy	7.5%	7.0%
Communication Services	4.5%	4.8%
Utilities	3.4%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	6.8%
Healthcare	1.4%	16.9%
Real Estate	1.0%	0.3%

Return for Risk

MFEM vs. VFMF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEM

MFEM Risk / Return Rank: 53
MFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
MFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 54
MFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
MFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VFMF

VFMF Risk / Return Rank: 93
VFMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VFMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VFMF Omega Ratio Rank: 91
VFMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VFMF Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. VFMF - 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 Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF). 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	VFMF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	2.70	-1.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	3.85	-1.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.48	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	4.98	-2.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.14	18.90	-11.77

MFEM vs. VFMF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is lower than the VFMF Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEM and VFMF, 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. VFMF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEM drawdown since its inception was -43.32%, roughly equal to the maximum VFMF drawdown of -41.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEM and VFMF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEM	VFMF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.32%	-41.34%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.86%	-7.08%	-5.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.22%	-20.57%	+1.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.78%	-20.57%	-10.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.94%	0.00%	-10.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.43%	-5.67%	-5.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.30%	1.86%	+2.44%

Volatility

MFEM vs. VFMF - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) has a higher volatility of 9.59% compared to Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF) at 2.71%. This indicates that MFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFMF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEM	VFMF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.59%	2.71%	+6.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.29%	9.14%	+11.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.00%	13.06%	+8.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	17.91%	-0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.66%	21.05%	-1.39%

MFEM vs. VFMF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMF's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEM vs. VFMF - Dividend Comparison

MFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than VFMF's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEM PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.33%	2.77%	5.89%	4.01%	7.01%	29.96%	1.70%	2.37%	1.18%	0.21%
VFMF Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF	1.36%	1.54%	1.60%	1.78%	2.21%	1.39%	1.56%	1.61%	1.22%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEM and VFMF in my portfolio?

MFEM and VFMF have a correlation of 0.50, 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 VFMF?

MFEM has higher volatility (9.59%) compared to VFMF (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEM dropped -43.32% vs VFMF's -41.34%.

Which ETF is better, MFEM or VFMF?

On 5-year performance, VFMF leads with 14.79% vs 7.20% for MFEM. On fees, VFMF is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, VFMF has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFEM or VFMF?

Over the 5-year period, VFMF has performed better with a 14.79% return vs 7.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFEM or VFMF?

VFMF is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MFEM.

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

MFEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 1.36% for VFMF.

What is the main difference between MFEM and VFMF?

MFEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while VFMF is Multi-factor. They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for MFEM and 0.18% for VFMF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.40), 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.