OBOR vs. RNEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

OBOR (KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF) and RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - OBOR tracks the MSCI Global China Infrastructure Exposure while RNEM tracks the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, OBOR returned -0.13%/yr vs 4.79%/yr for RNEM. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. OBOR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RNEM.

Performance

OBOR vs. RNEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF (OBOR) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, OBOR achieves a -3.61% return, which is significantly lower than RNEM's 0.25% return.

OBOR

• 1D: -1.43%
• 1M: -5.04%
• 6M: -7.72%
• YTD: -3.61%
• 1Y: 7.82%
• 3Y*: 8.23%
• 5Y*: -0.13%
• 10Y*: —

RNEM

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.16%
• 6M: -1.96%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 1Y: 2.60%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

OBOR vs. RNEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
OBOR KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF	-3.61%	27.86%	8.55%	-7.91%	-21.96%	17.06%	13.47%	16.75%	-15.36%	1.30%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	0.25%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	-8.75%	6.16%	-8.16%	12.76%	-9.34%	4.23%

Correlation

The correlation between OBOR and RNEM is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2017	0.63

The correlation between OBOR and RNEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

OBOR vs. RNEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	OBOR	RNEM
Basic Materials	25.8%	14.2%
Industrials	24.3%	3.9%
Financial Services	23.1%	35.0%
Utilities	13.5%	3.5%
Energy	7.7%	7.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.3%	9.9%
Healthcare	0.2%	4.5%
Communication Services	0.2%	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.0%
Real Estate	-	0.8%
Technology	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

OBOR vs. RNEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

OBOR

OBOR Risk / Return Rank: 17
OBOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
OBOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
OBOR Omega Ratio Rank: 17
OBOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
OBOR Martin Ratio Rank: 17

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 12
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 11
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

OBOR vs. RNEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF (OBOR) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). 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.

	OBOR	RNEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.46	0.21	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.73	0.39	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.05	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.53	0.24	+0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.36	0.65	+0.71

OBOR vs. RNEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current OBOR Sharpe Ratio is 0.46, which is higher than the RNEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of OBOR and RNEM, 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

OBOR vs. RNEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OBOR drawdown since its inception was -41.54%, which is greater than RNEM's maximum drawdown of -38.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OBOR and RNEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	OBOR	RNEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.54%	-38.38%	-3.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.95%	-10.71%	-4.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.06%	-13.09%	-4.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.00%	-21.41%	-12.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.95%	-5.81%	-9.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.93%	-9.26%	-6.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.76%	3.99%	+1.77%

Volatility

OBOR vs. RNEM - Volatility Comparison

KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF (OBOR) has a higher volatility of 5.32% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) at 3.75%. This indicates that OBOR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RNEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	OBOR	RNEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.32%	3.75%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.88%	10.93%	+3.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.99%	12.51%	+4.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	14.48%	+1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.53%	17.18%	+1.35%

OBOR vs. RNEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

OBOR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than RNEM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

OBOR vs. RNEM - Dividend Comparison

OBOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.01%, less than RNEM's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
OBOR KraneShares MSCI One Belt One Road Index ETF	2.01%	1.94%	3.87%	3.40%	4.75%	3.26%	2.04%	4.33%	0.02%	0.10%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.37%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OBOR and RNEM in my portfolio?

OBOR and RNEM have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, OBOR or RNEM?

OBOR has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to RNEM (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, OBOR dropped -41.54% vs RNEM's -38.38%.

Which ETF is better, OBOR or RNEM?

On 5-year performance, RNEM leads with 4.79% vs -0.13% for OBOR. On fees, RNEM is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, OBOR or RNEM?

Over the 5-year period, RNEM has performed better with a 4.79% return vs -0.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, OBOR or RNEM?

RNEM is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for OBOR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, OBOR or RNEM?

RNEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 2.01% for OBOR.

What is the main difference between OBOR and RNEM?

OBOR tracks MSCI Global China Infrastructure Exposure, while RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. They also come from different issuers: CICC and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for OBOR and 0.75% for RNEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OBOR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.46 vs 0.21), 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.