PEMX vs. FTHF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) and FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. PEMX is actively managed, while FTHF is passively managed. Over the past year, PEMX returned 69.16% vs 99.98% for FTHF. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PEMX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTHF.

Performance

PEMX vs. FTHF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PEMX achieves a 38.87% return, which is significantly lower than FTHF's 48.98% return.

PEMX

• 1D: -6.08%
• 1M: 6.67%
• YTD: 38.87%
• 6M: 41.13%
• 1Y: 69.16%
• 3Y*: 33.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTHF

• 1D: -6.80%
• 1M: 6.57%
• YTD: 48.98%
• 6M: 51.53%
• 1Y: 99.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PEMX vs. FTHF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	38.87%	34.01%	17.21%	15.85%
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	48.98%	65.30%	-8.14%	18.14%

Correlation

The correlation between PEMX and FTHF 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2023	0.85

The correlation between PEMX and FTHF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PEMX vs. FTHF — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 87
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

FTHF

FTHF Risk / Return Rank: 87
FTHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FTHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FTHF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FTHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FTHF Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

PEMX vs. FTHF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) and First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF). 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.

	PEMX	FTHF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	2.79	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	3.22	+0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.52	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.81	6.16	-1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.22	16.85	+1.37

PEMX vs. FTHF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.78, which is comparable to the FTHF Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEMX and FTHF, 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

PEMX vs. FTHF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEMX drawdown since its inception was -14.91%, smaller than the maximum FTHF drawdown of -17.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEMX and FTHF.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEMX	FTHF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.91%	-17.36%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.45%	-16.31%	+1.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.91%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.08%	-6.80%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.85%	-4.22%	+1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	5.95%	-2.14%

Volatility

PEMX vs. FTHF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX) is 14.35%, while First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) has a volatility of 17.38%. This indicates that PEMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTHF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEMX	FTHF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.35%	17.38%	-3.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.77%	28.89%	-6.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.00%	36.06%	-11.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.49%	26.89%	-7.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.49%	26.89%	-7.40%

PEMX vs. FTHF - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEMX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FTHF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEMX vs. FTHF - Dividend Comparison

PEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.04%, more than FTHF's 3.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	3.03%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	5.04%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEMX and FTHF in my portfolio?

PEMX and FTHF 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, PEMX or FTHF?

FTHF has higher volatility (17.38%) compared to PEMX (14.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEMX dropped -14.91% vs FTHF's -17.36%.

Which ETF is better, PEMX or FTHF?

On 1-year performance, FTHF leads with 99.98% vs 69.16% for PEMX. On fees, FTHF is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, PEMX has been the lower-risk option at 14.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PEMX or FTHF?

Over the 1-year period, FTHF has performed better with a 99.98% return vs 69.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PEMX or FTHF?

FTHF is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PEMX or FTHF?

PEMX has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 3.03% for FTHF.

What is the main difference between PEMX and FTHF?

They also come from different issuers: Putnam and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for PEMX and 0.75% for FTHF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 2.78), 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.