NUEM vs. EMOP

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NUEM (Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and EMOP (AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. NUEM is passively managed, while EMOP is actively managed. Over the past year, NUEM returned 31.23% vs 45.62% for EMOP. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NUEM charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for EMOP.

Performance

NUEM vs. EMOP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) and AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUEM achieves a 18.06% return, which is significantly lower than EMOP's 29.00% return.

NUEM

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 18.06%
• 6M: 17.70%
• 1Y: 31.23%
• 3Y*: 18.96%
• 5Y*: 5.00%
• 10Y*: —

EMOP

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: -0.38%
• YTD: 29.00%
• 6M: 29.89%
• 1Y: 45.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NUEM vs. EMOP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NUEM Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF	18.06%	15.86%
EMOP AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	29.00%	16.48%

Correlation

The correlation between NUEM and EMOP 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 Jun 18, 2025	0.90

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

NUEM vs. EMOP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUEM	EMOP
Technology	36.5%	30.3%
Financial Services	16.8%	24.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	7.8%
Industrials	11.1%	8.1%
Basic Materials	7.9%	7.0%
Communication Services	7.6%	12.3%
Energy	2.6%	2.6%
Healthcare	2.6%	1.6%
Utilities	1.7%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	1.4%
Real Estate	0.6%	2.3%

Return for Risk

NUEM vs. EMOP — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUEM

NUEM Risk / Return Rank: 55
NUEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
NUEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NUEM Omega Ratio Rank: 54
NUEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
NUEM Martin Ratio Rank: 58

EMOP

EMOP Risk / Return Rank: 75
EMOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
EMOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
EMOP Omega Ratio Rank: 77
EMOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EMOP Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

NUEM vs. EMOP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) and AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP). 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.

	NUEM	EMOP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	2.13	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.71	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.40	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	3.56	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.11	13.20	-4.09

NUEM vs. EMOP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the EMOP Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUEM and EMOP, 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

NUEM vs. EMOP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUEM drawdown since its inception was -39.48%, which is greater than EMOP's maximum drawdown of -12.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUEM and EMOP.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUEM	EMOP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.48%	-12.88%	-26.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.56%	-12.88%	+1.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.82%	-3.44%	-1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.94%	-2.02%	-12.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.44%	3.47%	-0.03%

Volatility

NUEM vs. EMOP - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) and AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) have volatilities of 9.97% and 10.22%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUEM	EMOP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.97%	10.22%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.42%	19.64%	-1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.53%	21.50%	-0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.14%	21.54%	-1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.36%	21.54%	-1.18%

NUEM vs. EMOP - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUEM has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than EMOP's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUEM vs. EMOP - Dividend Comparison

NUEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.03%, more than EMOP's 0.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMOP AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	0.84%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUEM Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF	3.03%	3.58%	1.95%	2.37%	1.90%	2.45%	1.26%	1.98%	2.05%	0.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUEM and EMOP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, NUEM and EMOP 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, NUEM or EMOP?

EMOP has higher volatility (10.22%) compared to NUEM (9.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUEM dropped -39.48% vs EMOP's -12.88%.

Which ETF is better, NUEM or EMOP?

On 1-year performance, EMOP leads with 45.62% vs 31.23% for NUEM. On fees, NUEM is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, NUEM has been the lower-risk option at 9.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUEM or EMOP?

Over the 1-year period, EMOP has performed better with a 45.62% return vs 31.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUEM or EMOP?

NUEM is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for EMOP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NUEM or EMOP?

NUEM has the higher dividend yield at 3.03%, compared with 0.84% for EMOP.

What is the main difference between NUEM and EMOP?

They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for NUEM and 0.70% for EMOP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.53), 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.